11 men charged in relation to the alleged plot to assassinate the Interim Prime Minister and others, have been denied bail by High Court Judge, Justice Daniel Gounder.

While delivering his judgment on the bail application, Justice Gounder highlighted that it is wrong to refuse bail simply because of serious allegations against an accused, however, there needs to be a balance of all circumstances and the discretion to grant or to deny bail lies solely with the presiding judge.

Justice Gounder said that he has weighed all the submissions and is of the view that the 11 accused are not flight risks and there is also a lack of information on the strength of the prosecution case.

However, he stressed that the nature of the charges against the accused are serious and they allegedly planned to take human lives and the fact that those who are involved in the alleged plot, are of high status that does not have any bearing on the allegations.

Justice Gounder said the case and the allegations strikes at the heart of law and order in the country, and public peace and stability are the utmost priority of the courts at this time.

He stresses that the issue of public interest and safety, out ways the personal liberty of the accused, and he is satisfied that bail cannot be granted and the men are to be remanded until their trial.


The 11 with appear in the magistrates court this hour to set a mention date for the case. The Defense Lawyer confirmed to Village news, that they will take the bail denial matter to the Appeals court in two weeks time.

Meanwhile, one of the accused Peceli Rinakama could not hold back his frustration outside court, and started yelling asking about his rights.