Suppression order in mutiny trial
The two former directors of Police Intelligence Branch Berenando Daveta and Rusiate Tuidravu are charged with allegedly conspiring to commit a felony, namely mutiny.
DPP lawyer Ana Tuikitei made the application to stop the media reporting on the evidence given by Head of Investigations SSP Waisea Tabakau during the bail hearing.
However, Tuidravu's lawyer Rajendra Chaudhry objected saying that justice commands court procedures are open for the public to know as it is of national importance.
Chaudhry said there already are restrictions on the media and that this would shut down freedom of the press.
Chaudhry said that if the case regarding the plot to kill the army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama was open to the media which was of higher threat to national security, then why this case is not open to the media.
However, Judge Justice Priyantha Fernando granted the order to suppress the information based on national security reasons.
The decision on the bail application has been moved to the 15th of June and the two are remanded in custody.
The two officers are alleged to have conspired between October last year and January this year to remove Commodore Teleni from office.
They earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge.
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