17 people charged with Sedition appeared in the Lautoka Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
All accused were present with their legal counsel and applied for the matter to be transferred to the High Court.
The application was made on the ground that the charge was an Indictable one but triable summarily with the accused persons having the right to choose whether they will be tried in the Magistrates or the High Court.
The accused persons are Ratu Epeli Niudamu, Sailasa Malani, Sereima Rokodi, Nanise Kasami Nagusuca, Waisea Duailima, Isikeli Waisega Kabakoro, Laisiasa Mocevakaca, Emosi Toga, Waisake Racaca, Samuela Ligabalavu, Mikaele Gonerara, Seini Raiko, Josefa Natau, Sulueti Lotu Waqalala, Ulaiyasi Rabua Tuivomo, Apolosi Qalilawa, and Ilisapeci Natau.
Apart from Sedition, they’re charged with Inciting Communal Antagonism.
The Matter has been adjourned to 14 August 2015 for mention at the Lautoka High Court.
