Bail rejected: TikToker remanded over derogatory remarks, causing harm online

The Suva Magistrates Court has further remanded the 31-year-old TikTok user from Nadera who was charged after making derogatory comments about Minister for Information, Lynda Tabuya on his live video. 

Lui Bale Vuiberata made his first appearance before Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola and Magistrate Sofina Ali yesterday afternoon with charges of Causing Harm by Posting Electronic Communication, Criminal intimidation and indecently insulting and annoying a person. 

It was alleged that on August 14, in Nadi, Vuiberata made derogatory comments and uttered vulgar language and hate speech against Ms Tabuya. 

During the proceeding, the Chief Magistrate found that State’s objection for his bail outweighed his assurance that he would not commit the same offense again. 

His lawyer, Eroni Navuda made a verbal application to bail his client on the basis that he would comply with all conditions of the court and would refrain from making further offences. 

Prosecution had referred to the Kishore Kumar’s case against two Minister’s. 

The court considered this case as Kumar had committed another offense when released and cited a high risk of that happening again in Vuiberata’s case. 

Magistrate Waqaivolavola said the public interest outweighed all other interest thus advised his lawyer to make a formal bail application. 

Police Prosecution has been given seven days to serve the defendant with his disclosures after which he will then take his plea on October 1. 

His production order was extended.