Sixteen people charged with one count each of sedition and one count of inciting communal antagonism under the Crimes Decree 2009 were granted bail by the Lautoka High Court yesterday.
The accused persons are Ratu Inoke Tasere, Jimi Koroibete, Seru Kunalagi, Adi Cuvu Atama, Ulaiasi Rabua Tuivono, Peniasi Naqau, Semi Tanikili, Ratu Osea Bolawaqatabu, Ratu Tevita Makutu, Mosese Navaci, Eroni Rikoriko, Alifereti Gonewai, Raicula Rokovou, Adi Vasemaca Gonewai and Jorama Ratulevu.
The defence filed for bail for five of the accused based on medical grounds.
An Affidavit of the Prisons physician confirmed that five of the accused persons could not be treated at the Prisons.
The defence then filed an application for bail for the remaining accused persons to which the state objected citing prosecution has a strong case. The state also informed the court that police investigations had concluded.
The 16 accused persons were then granted bail with strict conditions.
