'I've Been Hunted Down': Lateef appeals to overturn drug conviction

Former Suva lawyer Shazran Abdul Lateef has asked the High Court to overturn his drug convictions and 44-month jail sentence, claiming he was unfairly prosecuted and denied a fair trial.

Representing himself before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu on Friday, Lateef challenged both his convictions and sentence for possessing 9.5 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of marijuana.

He raised five grounds of appeal, arguing there had been an abuse of process because of years of delay, unfair prosecution, errors involving the magistrate's role, issues with the search warrant, and a failure to properly assess evidence from the prosecution's first witness.

Lateef argued that his sentence was too severe, saying he had no previous criminal convictions and should have been treated as a first offender.

He also complained that the case took more than five years to conclude but that he received no sentence reduction for the delay.

Much of the hearing centred on Lateef's challenge to the evidence of the prosecution's key witness, whom he described as an accomplice.

He argued the witness should not have been given credibility without stronger supporting evidence and questioned why only he was charged when two people were in the hotel room where the drugs were found.

Justice Bulamainaivalu repeatedly questioned Lateef's legal arguments, referring to previous court rulings and statutory provisions relating to possession, accomplice evidence and search warrants.

State prosecutor Shaheen Bibi opposed the appeal, submitting that the convictions were properly reached and that there were no major inconsistencies in the prosecution witness's evidence.

Ms Bibi also confirmed the sentencing court made no specific deduction for the lengthy delay in the case.

The matter has been adjourned, with Justice Bulamainaivalu to deliver his ruling on July 31.