A total of 45 people who were arrested for their involvement in the Nabua brawls have been remanded in custody until Monday 11 October after appearing in a special court sitting at the Fiji Police Academy gymnasium in Nasova this morning.
The youths appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili to answer to charges of unlawful procession, malicious acts, disobedience of lawful order, throwing stones and criminal intimidation.
Director Police Prosecutions Senior Superintendent Sakeo Raikaci strongly objected to bail on the grounds of public security.
“The two parties involved, if they are released, would be cause of main concern on their security as well as those in the community,” he said.
“I believe the likelihood of retaliation in the community is high and the innocent will be victimized and they are already living in fear.”
Lawyer Savenaca Komaisavai appeared as defense counsel for Apitalai Raikuna, Joji Cakau of Vosarogo Lawyers represented Kitione Rawalai, and Shahrukh Ali represented Ilisoni Tawake while the remaining accused persons had Legal Aid representation.
Mr Ratuvili ordered that each counsel is to provide submission on why their clients would not be a threat to the public if they are to be granted bail.
Defense counsels are to file their submissions tomorrow and the matter has been adjourned to Monday for a decision on bail.
Fourteen juveniles also appeared in court today for their involvement in the brawls and have been granted cash bail in the sum of $100 each.
They were ordered not to reoffend, undergo a strict curfew from 6am to 6pm and to report to the Nabua Police Station every Wednesday and Saturday.
They will re-appear in court on November 11.
