1 Dec 2016

Bail extended for Fiji Times staff

12:11 pm on 1 December 2016

The Suva High Court has extended bail to senior staff of the Fiji Times newspaper who have been charged with inciting communal antagonism.

The Fiji Times headquarters on Victoria Parade, Suva

The Fiji Times headquarters on Victoria Parade, Suva Photo: RNZI / Sally Round

The Prosecution Office said the court met today and gave the State until 30 January to file their Voir Dire disclosures.

Last month, the writer of an article in Nai Lakalai Josaia Waqabaca, its editor Anare Ravula, the Fiji Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley and its publisher Hank Arts were charged but pleaded not guilty.

The article in question, which was published in April, was allegedly likely to incite dislike, hatred or antagonism of the Muslim community.

If convicted, they face a maximum of ten years in prison.

Mr Arts today also filed a bail variation application which is to be heard next week.

Fiji Times editor, Fred Wesley

Fiji Times editor, Fred Wesley Photo: RNZI/Sally Round