Criminal Justice System must move forward: Justice Temo
Defence lawyers directed to get Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission to make presentations on the rights of non-vaccinated persons held in remand
Accused persons should stop using their non-vaccination status to sabotage trials and court cases.
High Court Judge, Justice Salesi Temo made this statement in the case of Maikeli Scott Manuave, 38, Raymond Johnson, 49, and Penijamini Tuinaviti, 39.
The three accused persons are charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of breach of a suspended sentence.
The alleged offence took place on August 9, 2021, at Nakasi where the three accused persons allegedly robbed Shop N Save staff at the Rups Mega Complex as the staff was going to the bank to deposit $240,000 from the weekend’s takings.
Johnson appeared in court for the case, however, Manuave and Tuinaviti did not appear as they were in remand.
The Court was informed the other two are in remand and were not brought to court because they are not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission
Justice Temo directed the defence lawyers to get the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission to make presentations on the rights of non-vaccinated persons held in remand.
He said it was important that all accused persons facing serious charges consider getting vaccinated so the court system can continue to function.
“The Corrections Officers must not accept these type of excuses because the wheels of justice need to keep turning,” he said.
“I am aware of the rights of accused people however, the criminal justice system must move forward.
“No one wants to see people in remand catch the virus. The vaccination is the key to solving this problem.”
The matter has been adjourned for mention on November 2.