The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed an application by the police prosecution to vacate the upcoming trial of Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) general secretary Viliame Takayawa.
The prosecution yesterday had sought an adjournment because one of its key witnesses is overseas. However, the defence strongly objected to postponing the July 30 trial date, arguing that any further delays would be highly unfair to the accused.
Magistrate Charles Ratakele ruled in favour of the defence, ordering that the trial dates previously agreed upon by both parties will stand and commence on July 30.
Mr Takayawa, who is charged with one count of criminal intimidation, is accused of threatening Amoni Kepa and Apenisa Turaga, the party’s Suva constituency representatives, at the SODELPA headquarters in Suva on February 22, 2024.
He allegedly ordered them out by uttering the words, “Get out of my office.”
Following the ruling, Mr Takayawa’s bail was further extended.
