The innocent are living in fear, a Special Court sitting at the Fiji Police Academy gymnasium in Nasova, Suva, heard yesterday when 45 men appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili for their involvement in brawls in Nabua, a residential suburb outside Suva City.
Director Police Prosecutions Senior Superintendent of Police Sakeo Raikaci told the court that the likelihood of retaliation was high and the innocent would be victimised.
The men were separately charged with one count each of unlawful procession, malicious acts, disobedience of lawful order, throwing stones and criminal intimidation.
SSP Raikaci strongly objected to bail on the grounds of public security.
“The two parties involved, if they are released, would be cause of main concern on their security as well as those in the community,” he said.
Lawyer Savenaca Komaisavai represented accused Apitalai Raikuna, Joji Cakau of Vosarogo Lawyers represented Kitione Rawalai, and Shahrukh Ali represented Ilisoni Tawake while the remaining accused were represented by Legal Aid counsels.
Mr Ratuvili told defence lawyers to provide a submission to why their clients would not be a threat to the public if they were granted bail.
They are to file their submissions today.
The matter has been adjourned to October 11. Meanwhile, 14 juveniles who were also charged, along with the 45 men, appeared in a separate court sitting before the Suva Magistrate Court.
They were granted bail. The matter has been adjourned to November 11.
