The bail variation hearing for Fiji Times publisher, Hank Arts will be held on the 17th of next month.

Arts wants to travel overseas to attend his daughter’s wedding.

He is charged with inciting communal antagonism along with Fiji Times Editor in Chief Fred Wesley and Nai Lalakai Editor Anare Ravula and Josaia Waqabaca.

They are alleged to have made, or published, a statement that could likely incite dislike, hatred, or antagonism of the Muslim community.

The prosecution is objecting to bail variation on grounds that it is a serious matter, Arts is a flight risk and the trial could be delayed.

The matter will be called before a new judge next year as Justice Priyantha Fernando’s contract is expiring.