SIX Asian nationals implicated in the murder of a local businessman were denied bail by the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.
The accused are Yang Xiu Qi, Hu Jian Zhan, Bill Hao, Liu Chuan Wei, Veng Seong Tam and Dai Jian who have been charged with a count of murder each.
Yang Xiu Qi and Hu Jian Zhan, who were arrested at the Nadi International Airport while trying to flee the country, were without lawyers yesterday.
Bill Hao and Veng Seong Tam were represented by Aseri Vakaloloma while Liu Chuan Wei and Dai Jian were represented by Filimoni Vosarogo.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lawyers are relying on evidence from an accomplice of the six and said the pair who had confessed to police did not have fixed addresses.
Mr Vosarogo told the court his clients were beaten while in police custody and that he wanted to inform the court as soon as possible.
Mr Vakaloloma said he wanted bail for his clients who he said were owners of local businesses and had suitable sureties.
DPP lawyer Pita Bulimainaivalu objected to Mr Vakaloloma's request saying indications by the media raised concerns about the safety of the public.
He said there was also a possibility of interference with State witnesses adding there had been alleged threats against the accomplice who was co-operating with police.
Mr Vakaloloma said the issues raised by the State could be managed by bail conditions and that they would be willing to comply.
He said he had warned his clients of the risks of witness interference or a slight breach of bail conditions.
He said the pair were elderly and in constant need of their medication but could not produce any evidence supporting the claim when requested by Magistrate Yohan Liyanage.
Magistrate Liyanage told the defence and prosecution teams he was transferring the case to the High Court in Suva where they could file their bail submissions.