Political activist Ben Padarath was granted bail by Resident Magistrate Samuela Qica at the Ba Magistrates Court yesterday.

Padarath was represented by Filimoni Vosarogo and appearing for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was Joseph Work.

Padarath  is charged with sedition, attempting to defeat the course of justice, destroying evidence and disobedience of lawful orders.

Padarath, on or about March 28, 2021, at Lautoka, allegedly uttered seditious words by posting information pertaining to an ongoing FICAC investigation on Facebook.

This with an alleged intention to bring hatred or excite disaffection against the administration of justice in Fiji.

On the same day he allegedly attempted to obstruct, prevent, pervert or defeat the course of justice by posting information pertaining to an ongoing FICAC investigation on Facebook.

He is also alleged to have wilfully removed or destroyed evidence from his phone knowing that his mobile phone may be required as evidence in a judicial proceeding.

He allegedly disobeyed a lawful search warrant issued by the court.

Mr Vosarogo told the court that due to the change of the jurisdiction of the case, his client would be retaking his plea and would then proceed with the bail matter.

Padarath pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Magistrate Qica granted bail on the condition that he pay a bail bond of $1000.

The matter was transferred to the Lautoka Magistrates Court and was adjourned to May 19 for mention.

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