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{\author user}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr11\min23}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr11\min23}{\version2}{\edmins0}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1411}{\nofchars8049}{\*\company  }{\nofcharsws9442}{\vern16391}}\margr1152\margb432 
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\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661\charrsid11347661 CRIMINAL APPEAL CASE NO.: HAA0}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 133 OF 2004
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 AIYAZ ALI
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Appellant
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 AND:
\par }\pard \s15\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 STATE
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Respondent
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par Counsel:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Appellant \endash  In Person
\par Mr. W. Kuruisaqila \endash  for State
\par 
\par Date of Hearing & Judgmen}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661\charrsid11347661 t: }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 22nd July, 2005
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 EX}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661\charrsid11347661  }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 TEMPORE DECISION
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par This is an extempore decision given immediately after an application for me to recuse myself and transfer this appeal back to the Lautoka Criminal Court jurisdiction.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 As it is an extempore decision I reserve the right to recall and perfect the judgment as I see necessary.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Background
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 The applicant has been before me on 2 appeals throughout the latter part of 2004 and the early part of 2005.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661 
 One of those appeals HAA0}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 136 of 2004 has been decided.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
I dismissed the appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 The same 
appellant (this applicant) says that as I have already made and passed judgment in Appeal 136/2004 that indicates a degree of pre-determination about him and his second appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Therefore he says there is either actual or perceived bias and I should recuse myself.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Threat of Bias to a Fair and Impartial Trial
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Counsel for the State has very helpfully referred to a number of decisions amongst those }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Amina Koya}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661  [1998] FJSC 2 and a recent ruling given on the 16th of June in }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 The State v Kaitani & Others}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661  b}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661 y my brother Justice Gates, HAC0}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 044.04S.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 In my view the fundamental issue was properly stated by Justice Cory in }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 R v S}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661  decision of the Canadian Courts 1997 3 SCR 484 at page 523 and 524 in these terms:
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 \'93A system of justice if it is to have the respect and confide
nce of its society must ensure that trials are fair and that they appear to be fair to the informed and reasonable observer.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
This is a fundamental goal of the justice system in any free and democratic society\'85..\'94.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par Fairness and impartiality must be both subjectively present and objectively demonstrated to the informed and reasonable observer.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
Justice must be rooted in confidence and confidence is destroyed when right-minded people go away thinking:}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 \'93
the judge was biased\'94.
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par The authorities require that a likelihood or a probability of bias must be demonstrated suspicion is not enough.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
The test to be applied in Fiji in determining whether a judge is disqualified by reason of bias is an objective one (cf }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Koya supra}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 ).}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 It is the apprehension of bias by an imparti
al but informed observer that concerns the court.
\par 
\par In another decision }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Johnson v Johnson}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
 [2000] 201 CLR 488 at 492 just exactly what kind of a person this fair minded, informed, reasonable observer is and how much he or she knows was the subject of some discussion (cf pages 507-508).
\par 
\par The bystander because this is an objective test is assumed to be reasonable and fair minded and before making a decision important to the parties and the community would ordinarily be taken to be informed of at least the most 
basic considerations relevant to arriving at a conclusion founded on a fair understanding of all the relevant circumstances.
\par 
\par It must be remembered that in these applications the person being observed is a professional judge whose training tradition and oath require him or her to discard the irrelevant, the immaterial and the prejudicial.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
In the same case it was observed that while the bystander is not to be assumed to have a detailed knowledge of the law or the character and ability of a particular judge t
he reasonableness of any suggested apprehension is bias is to be considered in the context of ordinary judicial practice.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Decision
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 In 136 of 2004 I took some care to distinguish the facts from this unheard appeal. In 136 of 2004 I found as a matter of fa
ct that Mr. Ali is an extremely intelligent and articulate gentleman well able to acquit himself in court and represent his interests.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 I found he knew his constitutional rights and exercised them by representing himself adequately.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 The case under appeal will proceed on an entirely different basis.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 As such I was able to find against him on 136/2004 but leave the question of the adequacy of time given for legal representation open.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661 
 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par 
\par The reason I did that and the reason why I have until now insisted that Mr. Ali\rquote s appeal proceed with his co-accused Mr. Turuva or Mr. Yarolevu is this.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 In the court at first instance before the hearing started Mr. Yarolevu tendered to the learned Magistrate a piece of green paper on which was a note from the Legal Aid officer for
 the west.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
That letter advised the reader that all three had applied for legal aid and that the Legal Aid Commission needed time to consider the application before assigning appropriate counsel.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 In that regard the Magistrate put the letter to one side and proceeded with the hearing.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 As such the issue is not adequacy of representation or notification of rights but whether that decision to proceed with the hearing was fair and constitutionally appropriate.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 That issue is completely different to my assessment Mr. Ali\rquote 
s intelligence and ability to articulate and represent himself considered in the later appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
On the one hand the issue is whether or not a prisoner should be given sufficient time to enable Legal Aid to consider an application for legal assistance
 at trial on the other hand it is a question under the constitution of electing to represent oneself and suffering no prejudice.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 

\par 
\par Mr. Ali in support of his case apart from relying on a very well crafted written application submitted that there was actual bias because of a decision that I made.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 It is clear for the reasons I have just detailed that there could not be actual bias.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 First because I have made no decision in the unheard appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
Second because the issues under consideration in the two appeals will be completely different.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
Mr. Ali extends his argument to perceived bias.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
He said that I had displayed some animosity towards him in the course of hearings when pressed to give examples of that he was unable to do so. For the record I indicate far from hav
ing hatred or anger towards Mr. Ali I have the greatest of respect for his intelligence and articulate abilities when he appears in court.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par 
\par The objective standard of the fair minded observer reasonably informed is important.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 I find the argument of perceiv
ed bias has no merit.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Finally I refer to the words of Justice Mason quoted by our own now Chief Justice in }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Re: Renaud Ex parte C.L.J.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661  [1886] 60 A.L.J.R. 528 at page 532.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661 
 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 He said this: 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 \'93It needs to be said loudly and clearly that the ground of disqualific
ation is a reasonable apprehension that the judicial officer will not decide the case impartially or without prejudice, rather than that he will decide the case adversely to one party \'85\'85.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 In cases of this kind, disqualification is only made out by showing that there is a reasonable apprehension of bias of reason by prejudgment and this must be \lquote firmly established
\rquote  \'85\'85 although it is important that justice must be seen to be done, it is equally important that judicial officers discharge their duty to sit and 
do not, by acceding too readily to suggestions of appearance of bias, encourage parties to believe that by seeking the disqualification of the judge, they will have their case tried by someone thought to be more likely to decide the case in their favour.
\'94
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par I find that the applicant has not formally established actual bias or any reasonable apprehension of perceived bias and accordingly my decision is that I will not recuse myself from hearing this appeal.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Transfer
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 In addition to his application for recusal Mr. Ali makes an application that his proceeding be transferred back to the Lautoka High Court.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 He has been warned that if he transfers his appeal back to the Lautoka Court he risks considerable delay.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 He has been warned that it may take several months for his case to be heard.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 He accepts the risk of that delay and wishes to proceed with his transfer application.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par 
\par He says to me that the main reason he wants his case transferred to Lautoka is that Lautoka is closer to the point where he says he has several witnesses he wants to call at his appeal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 When asked about those witnesses he was not too specific about their identity and address but when pressed gave the names of 4 people in Ba he wished to call.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 He said two of them will give evidence supporting his
 alibi and he said 2 of them will give evidence of police brutality at the scene of his apprehension.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
I pause to reflect that in his trial at first instance. Alibi was not raised but the issue of police brutality was live.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par 
\par The State on the transfer appli
cation quite properly concede that for indigent accused who are incarcerated it is important that they be given every ability to call witnesses if that is what they wish to do. I am concerned that it would be a struggle for these witnesses to come from Ba
 to Suva to be present at a hearing.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
Accordingly for those reasons I am satisfied that the transfer of his appeal from Suva to Lautoka is appropriate.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par 
\par That has some consequences not that least of which is that his appeal will have to be severed from that of Mr. Turuva and Mr. Yarolevu.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Accordingly, I will order that firstly Mr. Ali \lquote 
s appeal in this matter be severed from his co-accused and heard separately, secondly I order that his appeal now known as HAA 133 of 2004 in Suva Registry be transferred to th
e Lautoka Criminal Court for listing before the next available Criminal Court Judge on a date to be advised and thirdly for the purposes of clarity I am now dismissing the application for recusal.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11347661  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 Gerard Winter
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 JUDGE
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11347661 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10902042\charrsid11347661 
\par At Suva
\par 22nd July, 2005
\par }}