25 Jan 2017

Fiji Times publisher fails to get bail variation

3:17 pm on 25 January 2017

The Suva High Court has rejected the application for a bail variation for the Fiji Times publisher Hank Arts.

The Fiji Times

The Fiji Times building in Suva Photo: Matthias Süßen

In August, Mr Arts was charged with inciting communal antagonism and if found guilty, he risks up to ten years in prison.

He sought a bail variation to go to New Zealand for his daughter's wedding.

The prosecution opposed a bail variation on the grounds that Mr Arts is a flight risk.

The charges relate to an article published in April in the newspaper's i-Taukei language Nai Lalakai paper.

Those charged include the writer of the article Josaia Waqabaca, the Nai Lalakai Editor Anare Ravula and the Fiji Times Editor Fred Wesley.

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