I do not have authority to interfere with the administrative work of the remand centre - Magistrate

Suva Magistrate Liyange Wikaramasekara has told Jone Vakarisi Junior that he does not have the authority to interfere with the administrative work of the remand centre.

He made these comments after Vakarisi Junior highlighted that he and another remand prisoner were moved to the Suva Prison.

He told the Suva Magistrates Court that he is still sleeping on a bench and is doing his business in a bucket at Korovou Prison.

Magistrate Wikaramasekara told the Officer in Charge at the Remand Centre to sort this issue out.

The Officer in Charge told the court that the reason Vakarisi and the other men were moved because they were refusing remand officers from conducting a search in their cell.        

Vakarisi then questioned as to why only two people were moved when there were 11 people in that cell.

He says there was no issue for search.

Jone Vakarisi Junior, Tevita Bulanaivalu, Ledua Gudru, Sekove Serukalou, Jese Sorovi, Toni Sokoiwasa, Chanel Antonio and Mark Ross have been charged with going equipped for theft, criminal intimidation, damaging property and resisting arrest.

They have been further remanded in custody.