The President of the Fiji Court of Appeal Justice William Calanchini has received an insulting letter under the letterhead of lawyer, Iqbal Khan.
Justice Calanchini stated this during the appeal case of eight former police officers and a former soldier who are serving jail sentences in the Vilikesa Soko and Senijeli Boila case.
Justice Calanchini told Iqbal Khan that it was an insulting letter addressed to him and was written on behalf of one of the appellants.
However Justice Calanchini told Khan that he knows this letter would not have come from him or his office.
Justice Calanchini told the court that he had a discussion about this with the Chief Justice and they will not give recognition to it.
Justice Calanchini also told Khan that his clients who have filed an appeal against conviction and sentence will not receive preferential treatment.
Manasa Talala, Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu, Pita Matairavula and Senitiki Natakasavu have also filed for bail pending appeal.
The state has been given 21 days to file their response.
When approached byFijivillage outside the court, Khan told us that they will get hold of the letter and officially lodge a complaint with the Commissioner of Police.
He says there may be some elements trying to disrupt the appellants’ case.
