Seventeen men and one woman from Rabulu Village in Ra appeared at the High Court in Lautoka yesterday after pleading guilty to sedition and inciting political violence in 2015.
Appearing before judge Justice Chamath Morais, the group were charged with one count of sedition contrary to Section 67(1)(a) and one count of urging political violence contrary to Section 65(1)(b) of the Crimes Decree 2009.
Pleading guilty to the charges were Timoci Nagata, Esa Namure, Jone Fatiaki, Vive Naiyo, Samuela Nabenia, Salimoni Serau, Semi Uqeuqe, Meli Nasalasala, Viliame Baravilala, Meli Waqabaca, Filimoni Naloga, Timoci Nacalatabisa, Apenisa Tucaketale, Viliame Nasau, Mitieli Raituku, Fonomanu Meresio, Matereti Vunisa and Livai Talemaicakaudrove.
The group was represented by Rakiraki lawyer Josaia Niudamu.
Mr Niudamu asked for time to review and respond to a draft summary of facts handed to the court by State counsel Semi Babitu.
The group was part of a mass arrest of villagers by police in August 2015, amid claims of political violence and sedition.
During the arrests, investigations were also held on the use of firearms by the villagers.
According to the High Court, voir dire proceedings would be carried out next week while Justice Morais considers the final summary of facts.
The case has been adjourned to January 25.
