Defence challenges police interview in Aisake Lovobalavu murder case

The defence for Aisake Lovobalavu, who is accused of murdering Jone Vuinakelo, has challenged the police interview conducted after his arrest, arguing officers made comments that could have influenced his responses.

The issue was raised before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu in the High Court in Suva today.

Lovobalavu is charged over the death of Jone Vuinakelo earlier this year.

Defence lawyer Kalisito Maisamoa submitted that police officers made leading and suggestive comments during the interview.

Mr Maisamoa told the court that before the interview began, an officer told Lovobalavu, "Vakarawarawa taki iko, na dina ena qai sereki koya ga," meaning, "Take it easy. The truth will eventually come out in the end."

He also claimed that during the interview an officer told the accused: "This is the cause of death, because you punched him."

The defence argued that the statements could have influenced Lovobalavu's responses by suggesting what police believed had happened before he had the opportunity to give his own account.

Justice Bulamainaivalu questioned the defence on the legal basis of the challenge.

In response, Mr Maisamoa submitted that Lovobalavu's right to remain silent before the interview had not been properly observed.

The defence has filed an application for a voir dire hearing to challenge the admissibility of the interview record.

Senior State Prosecutor Shaneem Ali confirmed the State would prepare and file the necessary disclosures for the voir dire hearing.

The matter was adjourned to August 25.