Defence Lawyer, Felix Anthony To Make Representations To DPP

Defence lawyer representing Fiji Trades Union Congress and National Workers Union general secretary, Felix Anthony, has been granted two weeks to make representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Anthony appeared before Magistrate Waleen George yesterday at the Magistrates Court in Suva, charged with one count of malicious act.

He was represented by private lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo, while Eoghan Samisoni from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions appeared as the State prosecutor.

Mr Vosarogo told the court that he had intended to make representations to the DPP’s office to have the charges dropped.

He sought for two weeks to do the same. Anthony told the court that he intended to travel abroad from January 23 to January 29 next year and he would be back for his next court date.

He also told the court that the Police had confiscated his laptop and mobile phone in May and the same was highlighted to the DPP’s office as they were not returned.

Mr Vosarogo told the court that a letter was given by the DPP addressed to the CID on the same but there was no response.

Magistrate George said to the accused to keep following up and otherwise if he wished, there was a Police Complaint Unit.

The matter has been adjourned for mention on January 31 and bail for Anthony has been further extended.

Anthony is alleged to have knowingly spread abroad by word of mouth, to The Fiji Times journalist, Felix Chaudhary, false news relating to the expiry of Water Authority of Fiji’s workers contracts, which tended to create or foster public anxiety.

The alleged offence took place on April 26, 2019 at Suva.

Anthony was detained by the Police from his house in Lautoka on the evening of June 27.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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