Court Grants $2000 Bail For Buadromo

A 52-year-old legal consultant, charged with Malicious Act, was produced at the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili released Meline Buadromo on $2000 bail bond with two sureties, who were each bonded on the same amount.

It is alleged that on April 15, with intention to create public alarm, anxiety or disaffection, Buadromo allegedly maliciously posted false news on her Facebook page saying “unwell from his holding cell at the Lautoka Police Station and pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Why shouldn’t this information be shared around? Compol’s open threat publicly is dangerous and maybe perceived by his comrades to do as they see fit although it maybe unlawful or as perceived as condoning suspicious conduct of his police officers who are loyal to him rather than the rule of law so one can only imagine what goes on in the police closed cell when they are under stressed from overwork but will never justify police brutality”.

She was represented by Damodaran Nair.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Prathna Devi, served the accused with first phase disclosures and advised the Court that investigations were still ongoing.

Sergeant Devi objected to Buadromo’s bail and urged the Court to remand her in custody for the interest of the public and protection of the community.

She submitted this on the grounds that the charge against the accused is serious and the allegation incited members of the public against the Police.

She said the accused has a following on social media and her words may be taken to be incitement against Police officers who are currently engaged in the fight against COVID-19 in Fiji.

She further submitted that Buadromo might interfere with State witnesses and she poses as a flight risk.

Mr Nair argued for bail on the grounds that at this stage the charge contains allegations and defence is not aware of the list of witnesses.

He said his client is a first offender and is not a flight risk.

In his bail ruling, Chief Magistrate Ratuvili considered the current situation of COVID-19 in Fiji.

He said members of the Fiji Police Force were heavily involved in combatting the virus, and the alleged statements posted by the accused can be seen to be incitement against the Police.

As a person with no previous convictions, Chief Magistrate Ratuvili said there is no evidence that Buadromo will not appear to answer her charge adding that prosecution has not established that factor.

He said the State needed to establish that granting the accused’s bail will endanger the public interest or make the protection of the community more difficult.

“This charge revolves around the words published by the applicant and the continued publication of the same through her social media platforms.

“These can be addressed at the trial and the continuing publication will be addressed in bail conditions.”

The accused was also ordered to temporarily deactivate her Facebook account and any other related accounts under her name for the duration of proceedings.

She was told to provide evidence to the Court of the same by Monday.

The case was adjourned to May 28 for plea.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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