Translation issues in alleged seditious statement disputed in Fiji Times case

Translation issues with the original version of the article which was published in the Nai Lalakai on April 27, 2016, which is alleged to have included a seditious statement, was raised in dispute in the Suva High Court yesterday.

It is alleged that Nai Lalakai article writer Josaia Waqabaca, Editor Anare Ravula, Fiji Times Editor-in-Chief Fred Wesley, Publisher Hank Arts and the Fiji Times

Limited made or caused to be published a seditious statement in the Nai Lalakai newspaper.

Ravula’s lawyer Devanesh Sharma stated that the translation should be limited to the paragraph of which the seditious charge arises from.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Lee Burney said the words could not be translated in isolation and should be looked at in its totality.

Fiji Times lawyer Feizal Haniff said the defence does not accept that Wesley is the editor-in-chief of Nai Lalakai but only for the Fiji Times.

Mr Haniff further stated that they did not agree that Arts is the publisher for the purpose of the "Media Act" but an employee of the Fiji Times.

However he clarified that they were of the agreement that the newspaper company did indeed publish the newspaper containing the article.

Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe reminded Mr Haniff that he would disallow any evidence that would conflict the counsels.

Justice Rajasinghe also advised counsel to iron out any other issues before Thursday December 7 when the case will be called for a final mention.

Bail was extended for all four accused men.