Court Told Kirwan Anointed Proposed Christian State Ministers With Oil

Aformer Fijian national now living in Australia who was a great influence and heavily involved in the formation of the Ra Sovereign Christian State had anointed proposed ministers with oil, the High Court in Lautoka heard. Mereoni Kirwin who had performed this act was also appointed “Minister for Justice”, the court heard. In his caution interview, Isikeli Kabakoro, who was appointed “Minister for Tourism” said he met Kirwin at Korowaqa, Rakiraki at the home of Tui Navitilevu on November 3, 2014. The caution interview stated he and other proposed ministers were anointed with oil by Ms Kirwin. Meanwhile, Police Sergeant, Simione Ravouvou told the High Court that the original copy of the Uluda Declaration was seized in Toga, Rewa. Sergeant Ravouvou stood as state witness during the sedition trial involving 16 people who were charged with one each count of sedition contrary to section 67 (1) (a) of the Crimes Degree 2009 and one count of inciting communal antagonism contrary to section 65 (2) (a) of the Crimes Decree 2009. It was alleged that the declaration was linked to the planned so-called Ra Sovereign Christian State in 2014. Sergeant Ravouvou was the witnessing officer during the caution interview at the Lautoka Police Station in 2014 for some of the accused. He told the court that he had been a Police detective for the last 13 years. The sixteen accused are: Ratu Epeli Niudamu, Salaisa Malani, Sereima Rokodi, Nanise Nagusuca, Waisea Duailima, Isikeli Kabakoro, Laisiasa Mocevakaca, Emosi Toga, Waisake Racaca, Samuela Ligabalavu, Mikaele Gonerara, Josefa Natau, Sulueti Waqalala, Ulaiasi Rabua Tuivomo, Apolosi Qalilawa and Ilisapeci Natau. They had appeared before Justice Aruna Aluthge and denied the charges. During examination in chief with state lawyer, Semi Babitu, Sergeant Ravouvou told the court that he and another Police inspector had seized the Uluda Declaration from a woman living in Toga, Rewa on 8 December, 2014. He then added the document was handed to the investigating officer at that time based at the Crime Investigations Department Headquarters in Suva. In cross examination, defence lawyer, Amand-Ravindra Singh questioned Sergeant Ravouvou on how did he know that it was the original copy of the Uluda Declaration. In response, Sergeant Ravouvou said he knew it was the original copy by the way in which the document was made. The trial continues today.