Fiji will have to go through normal court process

A Minister in the Tongan government said Fiji will have to go through the normal court process and establish its case to win any extradition.

The Minister of Public Enterprises and Revenue, Clive Edwards, said Fiji will have to show there is a case to answer and that Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara would receive fair treatment.

Edwards said if the attempt to have him extradited fails, there is no reason why Ratu Tevita can't stay in Tonga if he wants to.

Meanwhile a warrant of arrest has been issued for fugitive, Lt Colonel Ratu Tevita Mara by the Suva Magistrates Court and the DPP's office is now working on the next step to get extradition papers ready to get him back to Fiji from Tonga.

DPP, Aiyesha Jinasena filed a motion before Chief Magistrate, Usaia Ratuvili yesterday saying Ratu Tevita Mara has breached his bail condition for failing to report to the Samabula Police Station last Friday.

Jinasena also requested the authenticated court documents because the state is proceeding to take steps to extradite Mara.

Chief Magistrate Ratuvili has issued the bench warrant for Ratu Tevita to be arrested.

The court documents will be forwarded to the Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khiayum who will then file the necessary extradition order applications with the Tongan government.


Story by: Vijay Narayan