Lawyer representing Naitasiri High Chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata will now file a motion to stay the proceedings in the November 2000 mutiny re-trial due to the delays in getting the trial underway.

The case was set for hearing this morning, however defense counsel Filimoni Vosarogo revealed that they want a stay on all proceedings.

Vosarogo also informed High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar that he is now officially representing Takiveikata as attempts to secure a senior counsel from Australia have failed.

He revealed that the necessary finances could not be secured in time to ensure the senior counsel would be present for the trial.

Vosarogo said the grounds for the stay application would be based on the undue delays that have occurred since the re-trial was ordered but he stressed that there are no deliberate delays on the defense part in the case.

Vosarogo also highlighted that he needs to get hold of the original trial documents to point out the delays since the alleged offence took place till the time the re-trial was ordered as another basis for the stay application.

However, Justice Goundar questioned him on how he could blame the courts as the retrial was ordered almost a year ago and it was the defence itself who requested time to secure a senior counsel from overseas.

Judge Goundar also pointed out that prosecution and the courts were ready for the trial months ago and his client was given sufficient time to find a suitable counsel.

Judge Goundar has given Vosarogo and the DPP's office to file the necessary documents on the stay application before the matter is heard in open court this Wednesday.
 
Ratu Inoke Takiveikata faces a re-trial for his alleged role in the November 2nd, 2000 attempted mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.


Story by: Roneel Lal