Pastor Charged With Malicious Act
A48-year-old pastor has been charged with six counts of malicious acts contrary to Section 15 (a) of the Public Order Act.
The accused, Tuiloma Tawaivuna, appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili at the Magistrates Court in Suva yesterday.
The court heard that Tawaivuna was transported by the Police from Lautoka for his court appearance.
It is alleged that Tawaivuna posted a series of short videos on Facebook which allegedly created public alarm and anxiety calling on people not to get vaccinated as the vaccine is evil.
The offences took place between February 10 and June 18 this year.
Police prosecutor Inspector Josua Shaw served the accused with the first phase of disclosures.
He did not object to bail, however sought sureties and requested an order for the accused to deactivate his social media account along with the Eleventh Hour Ministry Facebook page.
The court heard the accused would be transported back to his residence in Field 40, Lautoka by Police.
Chief Magistrate Ratuvili ordered Tawaivuna to sign a bail bond of $700 along with his sureties.
Tawaivuna was ordered to reside at his address in Field 40, Lautoka, and not to change his address.
He was also ordered to deactivate his social media account along with the ministry’s facebook page until the conclusion of the case.
Tawaivuna was ordered to report to the Lautoka Police Station every Friday between 10am and 2pm.
The matter has been adjourned for mention on August 27.