Assistant DPP, Lee Burney today suggested to Fiji Times Editor-in-Chief, Fred Wesley that Wesley made a mistake regarding the Nai Lalakai article and he is now trying to cover it up.
Wesley denied this as he was cross-examined by Burney in the sedition trial in the last hour.
Burney also suggested to Wesley that there is no chance in hell that he would have not allowed the letter in the Nai Lalakai to be published if he knew what was in the letter.
Wesley said that he would have asked for a translation and then referred it to the lawyers.
Burney then suggested to Wesley that he knew very well the content of the letter. Wesley denied this.
The Assistant DPP also suggested to Wesley that he has been largely truthful but on this part he is not. Wesley said that he has been truthful.
Wesley also said that all the editors are aware of the legal help available at Fiji Times but he does not know if Nai Lalakai Editor, Anare Ravula sought legal help.
When asked on whether the Nai Lalakai addresses issues like land, Qoliqoli and ethnicity, Wesley said that the newspaper covers a wide range of issues.
Burney then put to Wesley that the letter in the Nai Lalakai on the 27th of April, 2016 told the Attorney General to leave the shores and it was about land. Wesley said that he heard that in court.
When asked on how the letter escaped his attention, Wesley said that those letters are checked by the editors.
Wesley also confirmed that the Nai Lalakai carries his name.
He also says that he speaks the iTaukei language but he does not read iTaukei.
When asked on what language he uses in his meetings with Ravula, Wesley said that they conversed in the English and iTaukei languages during their meetings.
Meanwhile the next defence witness for Fred Wesley was the security guard for Professional Security at Fiji Times Limited.
L-R: Fiji Times Ltd Publisher Hank Arts, Chief Editor Fred Wesley, Nai Lalakai contributor Josaia
Waqabaca and Nai Lalakai Editor Anare Ravula
The security guard, Vonitiasi Rakuma told the lawyer for Wesley and Hank Arts, Marc Corlett that he was familiar with Josaia Waqabaca.
Rakuma said that Waqabaca used to come and deliver his letters and the security guard used to call the Nai Lalakai department to tell them that Waqabaca was there.
Rakuma said that sometimes Anare Ravula came out to collect the letter.
Fiji Times Limited, Hank Arts and Josaia Waqabaca have pleaded not guilty to sedition while Fred Wesley and Anare Ravula have pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting sedition.
It is alleged that Fiji Times printed the Nai Lalakai newspaper which contained an article which had content with a seditious intention to promote feelings of ill will and hostility between classes of the population.
