FIFTEEN Asians appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday for the charge of gaming without a licence and engaging in business without a permit.
Billy Chang, Lum Moon Woot, Yuen Siu Lui, Xufeng Su, Lee Yuk Hom, Zhu Hong Zhi, Shunrong Deng, Lee Pui Chin, Zhong Hua Yao, Lo Kwok On, Xiohong Kuang, Kelly Zhu, Jin Ling Huang, Huang Dong and Lu Kung Yee appeared before Magistrate Yohan Liyanage.
It is alleged the 15 accused persons were gambling in Suva without a licence and also conducting a business in Suva without a permit.
With the absence of the police prosecution in court, the defence lawyers asked the court to make submissions for the accused persons at the end of the month.
"It's quite surprising for the police prosecution's absence in court this morning," said Magistrate Liyanage.
From the 15 accused persons, Huang Dong asked the court if he could travel overseas for medical treatment.
Mr Dong's lawyer submitted a copy of the medical certificate from the Suva Private Hospital which referred his client for urgent overseas medical treatment.
"Dong is not a citizen of this country and is here in Fiji on a three-year contract working for a company," said his lawyer.
Magistrate Liyanage said the court would have to review Mr Dong's overseas travel application.
The remaining 14 accused persons will reappear on October 31.