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\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589\charrsid16585589 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 (AT SUVA)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 CIVIL ACTION NO. HBM 12 OF 2002S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 Between:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 METUISELA RAILUMU
\par BARBADOS MILLS
\par PAULIASI NAMULO
\par JONA NAWAQA
\par BENIAME SOKIVETA
\par FILIMONI RAIVALU
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 Applicants
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 THE COMMANDER REPUBLIC OF FIJI MILITARY FORCES
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 and
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 and
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 Respondents
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
\par S.R. Valenitabua for the Applicants
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589 A. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 Mohammed for the Respondents
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 DECISION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
\par This is an application for a writ of habeas corpus by 6 members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces who have been held under close arrest since about 4 November 2000 following the mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks on 2 November 2000 in which 9 pe
rsons died and many more were wounded.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 The first Applicant filed an affidavit in support of all applicants on 27 March 2002.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 This affidavit was answered by three affidavits filed by Major Sakiasi Ditoka, Major Mason Smith and Lt. Col. Jone Baledrokadroka 
on 12 April 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 The first Applicant replied with two further affidavits both filed on 29 April.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 Both Counsel also filed helpful and comprehensive written submissions for which I am grateful.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 Col. Mohammed filed on 12 April and Mr. Valenitabua on 6 May.
\par 
\par By virtue of Sections 2 (1) (f) and 13 (1) of the Bail Act 2000 this application is to be determined according to the provision of sections 17 to 20 of that Act.
\par 
\par A number of preliminary matters were raised by Col. Mohammed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 First he suggested that
 for the detailed reasons set out in his written submission the High Court does not have jurisdiction to supervise the proceedings of a Court Martial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 He also suggested that the jurisdiction accorded to the High Court by sections 41 (1) and 120 (2) of the
 Constitution do not enable persons under close arrest to challenge their detention as provided by Section 27 (1) (e) of the Constitution.
\par 
\par Although it is clear that the Applicants did not make their application in conformity with the High Court (Constitut
ional Redress) Rules 1998 I indicated that I did not think technical objections should prevent me from hearing an application under section 27.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 Furthermore, I was satisfied that by applying Section 3 (a) of the Constitution the term \'93detained\'94 should be taken to include \'93close arrest\'94
 and that accordingly I had jurisdiction to entertain the applications.
\par 
\par Mr. Valenitabua told me that the Applicants have been in detention for over 16 months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
He suggested that they have not been charged and that a Court Martial has not yet been convened.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
Citing specific provisions of the RFMF Act (Cap 81), the UK Army Act 1955, the Rules of Procedure (Army) 1972 and the UK Manual of Military Law 1972 Mr. Valenitabua suggested that breaches of these of provisions rendered th
e continuing detention of the Applicants unlawful.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
He also argued that the Applicants had been detained for too long and had suffered too much.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
Each of the Applicants was prepared to abide by detailed bail conditions which would ensure their attendance at the Court Martial.
\par 
\par Having considered the matters referred to me by Mr. Valenitabua and taking into consideration especially the exhibits to Major Ditoka\rquote s affidavit I find that the Applicants have indeed been charged but there is little doubt that a Cou
rt Martial has not yet been convened and that Rule 6 of the Rules of Procedure (Army) 1972 has been breached.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
Mr. Mohammed told me that this provision had been overlooked but was now being remedied.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
In any event I do not find that breach of the provision which I find to be procedural renders the detention unlawful.
\par 
\par Both Sections 23 of the Constitution and Section 3 (1) of the Bail Act start from the premise that a person is entitled not to be detained but to be released on bail unless it is shown not to be in the interests of justice to take that course.
\par 
\par In considering an application for bail the specific matters to be taken into account are set out in Section 18 of the Bail Act.
\par 
\par The first two matters, the likelihood of the Applicants appearing at the Court Martial and their interests were not addressed in any detail but I have no serious reason to doubt that 
they would in due course appear at their Court Martial and that it would be in balance in their interests to be released.
\par 
\par The first matter (Section 18 (1) (c)) the public interest and the protection of the community are the criteria which I am satisfied must be determinative of this application.
\par 
\par As will be seen from the affidavits and submissions the Army\rquote s case is that in all the circumstances
 it would be too dangerous to release these Applicants who it is hoped will be able to appear before their own Court Martial in late July or August this year.
\par 
\par While Mr. Valenitabu did not dispute that the Applicants are highly trained former members of th
e now disbanded CRW Unit and that weapons are still at large he forcefully submitted that the Applicants now represent no danger to the public and have no other desire but to return to their families and a peaceful and law-abiding way of life.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 They strongly denied knowing anything about any missing weapons.
\par 
\par The charge of armed mutiny is exceptionally serious.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
Although not capital the likelihood is that if these men are convicted they will face long prison terms.
\par 
\par While it is a cause for concern that the Applicants have been detained for so long I accept that the Army has done all it could reasonably do in very difficult circumstances to bring them to trial at the earliest date.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 Against counsels of perfection the facts must prevail.
\par 
\par Under the provisions of Section 19 (2) (c) of the Bail Act I record that I have had regard to each of the considerations set out therein.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 None of the considerations listed is particularly pertinent to the post 2000 circumstances in which Fiji now finds itself.
\par 
\par In my opinion I must balance the understandable wish of these Applicants to be released now on bail to await their trial in two to four months against the risk to the safety, stability and wellbeing of our country.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 Put this way I am entirely satisfied that to release the Applicants on bail could be dangerous and would be most unwise.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16585589  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 Accordingly the Applications are refused.
\par 
\par For the purpose of complying with Section 20 (3) of the Bail Act I advise the Applicants that they have 
a right to have this refusal of their application reviewed by the Court of Appeal and that they are entitled to apply for Legal Aid for the purposes of that review.
\par 
\par A typed copy of this ruling will be available for collection from my chambers at midday Monday next 20/5/2002.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6764361 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid6764361 M.D. Scott
\par Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16585589 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6691333\charrsid16585589 
\par 17 May 2002
\par }}