The defence counsels in the alleged sedition trial involving the three Fiji Time staff and a writer informed the Suva High court this morning they will file a no case to answer application.

The Defence counsels say there’s no evidence put by the prosecution that shows any intention of recklessness by Fiji Times.

The defence counsels adds there’s no evidence of element of the offence.

The defence counsels informed the court they will need time until this afternoon to file their written submissions while the prosecution requested for time to file their response.

Suva High Court Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe has given the Defence until this afternoon and the prosecution until tomorrow morning to file their submissions.

Writer Josaia Waqabaca, Nai Lalakai Editor Anare Ravula, Editor- in-Chief, Fred Wesley and Publisher Hank Arts have been charged for sedition and aiding and abetting.

Waqabaca is charged with one count of sedition and it is alleged that between the 20th and 27th April 2016 he did a seditious act and submitted an article in the Nai Lalakai newspaper which could have caused an ill-will and hostility between the population of Fiji particularly the Muslims and the Non-Muslims.

Anare Ravula is charged with one count of aiding and abetting and it is alleged that he aided Arts to publish an article which was a seditious publication.

Fred Wesley is charged with one count of aiding and abetting and it is alleged that he aided Arts to publish an article which was a seditious publication.

Hank Arts is charged with one count of sedition and it is alleged that he published an article on 27th April which could have caused an ill-will and hostility between the population of Fiji particularly the Muslims and the Non-Muslims.

The no case to answer submission will be heard tomorrow.