17 Jan 2017

Court hears Fiji Times bail variation case

3:38 pm on 17 January 2017

The Suva High Court has heard the application for a bail variation for the Fiji Times publisher Hank Arts and will give its ruling on 25 January.

The Fiji Times headquarters on Victoria Parade, Suva

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

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.

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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