Ben Padarath remanded in custody

Ben Padarath has been remanded in custody by the Suva Magistrates Court and the case has been transferred to the Lautoka Magistrates Court.

Padarath pleaded not guilty to one count each of sedition, one count of attempting to defeat the course of justice, one count of destroying evidence and one count of disobedience of lawful orders.

He has been charged by FICAC.

Suva Anti-Corruption Division Magistrate Jeremiah Savou said 3 of the 4 matters arose in Lautoka and as a consequence the matter has be transferred to the Anti-Corruption Magistrates Division in Lautoka.

He said for this reason, bail cannot be determined by the court in Suva and the matter should be raised before the Anti-Corruption Magistrates Division in the Western Division.

The Magistrate said Padarath will now be remanded at Natabua Corrections Remand Facility.

For the charge of sedition, Padarath is alleged to have done an act with seditious intention or uttered seditious words by posting information pertaining to an ongoing FICAC investigation on Facebook, with an intention to bring into hatred or excite disaffection against the administration of justice in Fiji.

In relation to the charge of attempting to defeat the course of justice, it is alleged that Padarath attempted to obstruct, prevent or defeat the course of justice by posting information pertaining to an ongoing FICAC investigation on Facebook.

It is also alleged that Padarath knowing that his mobile phone may be required in evidence in a judicial proceeding, willfully removed or destroyed the mobile phone, with the intent to prevent it from being used in evidence.

It is further alleged that Padarath refused to comply with a search warrant.

The case has now be called on the 8th of April at the Lautoka Magistrates Court.