Defence seeks interpreter access for Hungarian drug accused

Access to an interpreter for Hungarian drug accused Fonta Laszlo emerged as a key issue in the High Court in Lautoka yesterday.

Defence lawyer Litia Vateitei told the court that language barriers were making it difficult for the defence to communicate effectively with Laszlo.

Ms Vateitei said an interpreter had not been permitted access to the prison, limiting opportunities to consult with the accused.

She said the defence would file an application seeking interpreter access for future prison visits and medical appointments to ensure effective communication.

Laszlo appeared in relation to the seizure of nearly five kilograms of methamphetamine at Nadi International Airport.

The drugs were allegedly discovered during a Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) operation on April 17.

Authorities said the interception resulted from risk profiling and intelligence-led targeting, leading to the discovery of the drugs allegedly concealed in passenger baggage.

Laszlo faces one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs and two counts of unlawful possession of illicit drugs under the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004.

The court heard that Laszlo does not fully understand English and communicates primarily in Hungarian and Russian. An interpreter assisted during the proceedings.

The hearing focused on disclosures, interpreter access, the accused's medical examination and bail-related matters.

The court confirmed that disclosures had been received and discussed the difficulties arising from language barriers between the accused and his legal team.

Justice Riyaz Hamza noted that the court would determine whether a new court-authorised interpreter should be appointed for Laszlo.

The court also heard that Laszlo had been taken to a medical centre, where a doctor confirmed he requires surgery.

However, the procedure can only be scheduled in approximately three months because of logistical and financial constraints.

The surgery must be paid for because of Laszlo's status as a foreign national.

Ms Vateitei acknowledged the State's efforts in arranging medical care and discussed the details of the medical order and associated costs.

The court was informed that the medical centre visited was not the hospital originally specified by the court, but alternative arrangements had been been made for logistical reasons.

Laszlo remains in custody and is expected to reappear in court on June 16.