Accused in sedition and inciting communal antagonism case passes away

The defence counsel who represented sixteen people in relation to the alleged Nadroga Navosa sovereign Christian state matter has informed the Lautoka High Court that one of the accused Adi Vasemaca Gonewai has passed away.

Justice Thushara Rajasinghe has ordered the defence counsel to provide the death certificate of the deceased.

Gonewai with fifteen others were each charged with one count of sedition and one count of inciting communal antagonism late last year.

The matter has been adjourned to the 22nd of next month to fix a trial date.

Bail has also been extended to all accused persons.

The fifteen accused are Ratu Inoke Tasere, Jimi Koroibete, Seru Kunalagi, Adi Cuvu Gavidi Atama, Ulaiasi Rabua Tuivono, Peniasi Naqau, Semi Tanikili, Ratu Osea Bolawaqatabu, Ratu Tevita Makutu, Mosese Navaci, Eroni Rikoriko, Alifereti Nakuinivou, Alifereti Gonewai, Raicula Rokovou and Jorama Ratulevu.

Seventy four people have been charged in relation to military style training and attempting to form a Christian state in Ra and Nadroga/Navosa.