Serial rapist and murderer Josua Colanaudolu has filed an appeal against his conviction at the Fiji Court of Appeal.

The matter was called at the Appeals Court before Judge Justice Chandana Prematilaka.

Colanaudolu was present in court wearing a protective face mask.

Representing Colanaudolu Legal Aid Commission lawyer Salote Nasedra told the court that the appeal was filed in time and the affidavit would be filed by close of business. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was represented by Rajneel Kumar.

Justice Prematilaka ordered respondent state to file their submissions by July 18.

The matter has been fixed for hearing on August 5.

In May, 2017, Judge Justice Salesi Temo had sentenced Colanaudolu to a mandatory life imprisonment for the rape and abuse of three victims, and the abduction, rape and murder of a fourth victim, Mere Ailevu, 14.

He has a minimum term of 30 years’ imprisonment to be served before a pardon may be considered by the President of Fiji.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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