Chief Magistrate transfers Karunaratne and Bulitavu case to Magistrate Somaratne’s court

Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili has today transferred the case of Jagath Karunaratne and Mosese Bulitavu to Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne’s court.

This is after an application was filed last week by the prosecution for Magistrate Ratuvili to recuse himself from hearing the case.

Karunaratne and Bulitavu are charged with writing seditious comments in public places four years ago.

DPP lawyer Michael Delaney made an application for Chief Magistrate, Usaia Ratuvili to recuse himself after Ratuvili had told the court that he knew the late Manasa Lasaro.

A state witness had mentioned Manasa Lasaro's name while giving evidence.

Magistrate Ratuvili had then declared his possible conflict of interest and subjected himself to a few questions from the counsels.

The matter will now be called on the 30th of next month for mention at the Suva Magistrates Court.

Bail for both accused persons has been extended.