Updated: 6:20am – Lawyers Aman-Ravindra Singh and Lynda Tabuya have confirmed they will appeal the sentencing and convictions of their clients. They confirmed this at a press conference outside the High Court in Suva, after Fiji United Freedom Party president
Jagath Karunaratne, and former SODELPA MP Mosese Bulitavu were handed custodial sentences after being convicted of one count of sedition each.
Ms Tabuya, speaking on behalf Mr Bulitavu, said they were going to appeal the conviction and the sentence within the week. “We disagree with the decision of the court in sedition cases in Fiji and the urgency of the matter. The cases must be solved and determined within six-eight weeks if you look at other cases,” Ms Tabuya said.
“But this case has been running for six and half years. It’s has been too long and we just feel that justice has been denied, and for dragging the case for both of them.” Mr Singh, speaking on behalf of Mr Karunaratne, said his client remained an innocent man and a freedom fighter. “We will continue to fight on with the appeal process and take forward. As far as we are concerned it is a shocking decision,” Mr Singh said.
Meanwhile, SODELPA’s general-secretary, Adi Litia Qionibaravi, said the party remained strong despite the court’s decision. “We will continue with our preparations for the general election,” Adi Litia said.
-Fiji Sun
Featured: Former SODELPA parliamentarian Mosese Bulitavu and Fiji United Freedom Party president Jagath Karunaratne outside the court house in Suva on April 30, 2018. Photo: Losirene Lacanivalu
