A New Zealand man charged in Fiji with writing anti-government graffiti in public places and on billboards last year is challenging his arrest and wants the charges to be dropped.
The Fiji Sun reports that Jagath Karunaratne's lawyer has filed papers claiming the arrest and charges were laid under the Public Emergency Regulations, which were lifted a month ago.
Mr Karunaratne's affidavit alleges he was detained for eight days and 11 days respectively which exceeded the 10 days allowed under the PER.
His lawyer wants the charges to be dismissed on the grounds of unlawfulness and illegality.
The case is to go before the Chief Magistrate on February the 17th.
Mr Karunaratne was one of five people arrested for writing the graffiti.
