Kumar on suspended sentence for interfering with woman’s right to vote
Bail was extended for all accused men.
Aman from Suva was handed a suspended sentence yesterday for interfering with the free exercise of the political right of a woman over the age of 80. The accused, Ronal Kumar, 32, was charged with one count each of offences in relation to ballot papers and undue influence. On September 3, 2014 he marked a vote by circling the number 279 on the ballot paper that was issued to one Satya Wati Ram in her presence.
In doing so Kumar interfered with the free exercise of Ms Ram’s political right. Kumar was convicted in the Suva Magistrates Court on September 29, 2017 for both counts. While sentencing him, Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage said the prescribed penalty for both counts was a fine not exceeding $50,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10-years or both. Kumar’s clear record was considered including the total criminality of his actions.
He was sentenced to seven months imprisonment suspended for two years and he was ordered to pay a fine of $500 in default of 50 days imprisonment for both counts. Kumar was given 28 days to appeal.
He was represented by private lawyer, Parnish Kumar.
All four lawyers engaged in the Fiji Times alleged sedition case have objected to the amended information filed and served by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The accused, Nai Lalakai column writer Josaia Waqabaca, Nai Lalakai Editor Anare Ravula, Fiji Times Editor in Chief Fred Wesley, and Publisher Hank Arts were all present in the High Court in Suva yesterday.
Defence lawyer Wylie Clarke appeared on instructions of the newspaper company.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Lee Burney said there appeared to be confusion among the accused persons that the prosecution was relying on certain extracts of the alleged seditious