The Publisher of The Fiji Times Limited, Hank Arts has filed an appeal on the bail variation ruling delivered by High Court Judge, Justice Thushara Rajasinghe last month.
Justice Rajasinghe had dismissed Arts’ bail variation application.
Arts is charged with Josaia Waqabaca, Anare Ravula, Fred Wesley, and The Fiji Times Limited for inciting communal antagonism.
Arts wanted to travel to New Zealand to attend his step‑daughter’s wedding this month and also to undergo a medical review.
Arts had earlier advised the Suva High Court that he is ready to forfeit his two properties and his FNPF funds to the government if he does not return to Fiji.
Justice Rajasinghe had stated in his ruling that the public interest and other considerations over-weigh the emotional and sentimental significance of being present at the step‑daughter’s wedding.
It is alleged that Arts, Waqabaca, Ravula, Wesley and The Fiji Times Limited made, or caused to be published, a statement in the i Taukei language in Nai Lalakai newspaper that is likely to incite dislike, hatred, or antagonism of the Muslim community.
The matter will be called tomorrow in the Fiji Court of Appeal.
