The Asian national charged with the alleged murder of a local fisherman on the 5th of this month appeared in the Magistrates Court this morning and pleaded not guilty.

22 year old Shui Xiong who was charged with the alleged murder of Joeli Nailati, through an interpreter pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Ajmal Khan.

Xiong told the court that what he had done did not qualify as murder and maintained his innocence.

It is alleged that the accused stabbed the local fishermen after a heated argument.

The case has been referred to the High Court and will be called on the 5th of January.