Samisoni asks for bail variation to travel overseas

Businesswoman and former politician, Dr Mere Samisoni, Mataiasi Ragigia, Semisi Lasike and Apete Vereti appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili today.

The four are charged with urging political violence and are alleged to have urged one Waisea Kaloumaira to burn the city of Suva in December 2011.

In court today, defense counsels for the accused persons highlighted if curfew hours for the four could be lifted.

Samisoni’s lawyer, Samanunu Vaniqi is asking the court for bail variation to allow her client to travel and she will not abscond the country because all her assets and her businesses are in Fiji.

Meanwhile Vereti’s counsel, Aseri Vakaloloma said his client is the sole bread winner in the family, his family needs money for their meals and provide for the children’s needs.

State Counsel Helen Whippy has no objection to relaxation of the curfew hours but is asking seven days for the defense to file their affidavits.  

Chief Magistrate Ratuvili told the counsels that the accused are charged equally and no special recognition is given.

The case is adjourned to next Wednesday to hear the bail variation application.


Story by: Tokasa Rainima