Former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry and five others have been released on bail by the Tavua Magistrates Court in the last hour, after being in custody since last Friday.

Chaudhry, Sanjeet Maharaj, Ganga Dharan, Gajraj Singh, Abhay Raj Singh and Shammi Kapoor appear before Magistrate Sadiq Faizal Koya.

Magistrate Koya also recused himself after granting bail because he said he knows Chaudhry well.

Chaudhry and five others are charged with one count of unlawful assembly under the Public Emergency Regulation.

It is alleged that last Friday Vunikavikaloa, Chaudhry and the five others were having a meeting without a permit.

The plea was not taken today and the case has been transferred to the Rakiraki Magistrates Court. They will reappear in Rakiraki on Wednesday.

The six men were each released on $500 cash bail.

They were represented by Suva lawyer, Kini Maraiwai while the state was represented by Regional Prosecuting Officer Western, ASP Anil Prasad.  

Meanwhile Fijivillage has been informed that Police were notified about the alleged meetings last Friday from some members of the Rakiraki community.

Chaudhry's lawyer, Queens Counsel Peter Williams has told Radio NZ that Chaudhry was assessing the impact of the drought on cane farmers in the Western division.


Story by: Vijay Narayan/Shalvin Deo