NGO makes submission
Today, Draunidalo's lawyer Richard Naidu called on the Court to seek an explanation as to why it was withdrawn.
Naidu told the court that taking the matter to court was irresponsible and it was done simply because the Interim AG had the powers to do so.
He cited comments by the Interim AG in a statement, where it was revealed that they would not pursue the case against her and the reasons given that some issues relating to Draunidalo's case are already before the courts and need not be addressed if irrelevant.
Naidu told High Court Judge Justice Roger Coventary that the only issue before him is whether Draunidalo was in contempt of court and the proceedings have nothing to do with any other cases against the Interim Government currently before the court.
He also alleged that many people who speak out have been subjected to intimidating tactics however, Naidu told the court that Draunidalo continues to speak out and her comments at the time were appropriate in her capacity as Vice President of the Fiji Law Society.
Representing the state, Solicitor General Christopher Pride then took up an offer from the Judge to adjourn the case till 2.15 for him to prepare a response. The Citizen's Constitutional Forum has made an initial submission to the Committee on the Convention on Elimination of Racial Discrimination concerning Fiji.
CCF Director, Tessa Mackenzie said the submission covers a range of issues.
Mackenzie also adds the government's last submission to the CERD Committee was in June, 2006 and that the current submission being compiled by the CCF and two other NGOs, that is the Women's Action for Change and the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy, is a shadow or draft submission that will be given to the CERD Committee with the final submission to be given in by the first quarter of next year.
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