• July 5, 2013

FTUC National President Daniel Urai appeared along with Sri Lankan businessman Jagath Karunaratne before the Suva Magistrates Court early this week charged with inciting political violence.

NP’s lawyer Navinesh  Nand requested hard copies of the disclosures and not soft copies which were sent by the State Counsel.

The case was adjourned to July 10 to hear arguments from the both parties  on the consolidation of charges applications for Urai and Karunaratne.

Mr Urai is charged with urging political violence against the Government, while Mr Karunaratne is alleged to be part of the group behind the anti government graffiti in Suva in August last year.

The two were charged under the Public Order Amendment Decree which has extensively widened the definition of terrorism.

Terrorism in Fiji now also means any form of actions by unions to telecommunications, transportation and other essential infrastructure, intimidation of the public or a section of the public, seeking international support for Fiji issues and promoting any religious or political cause.

The decree has criminalised legitimate trade union activities in Fiji, a sad violation of basic human and trade union rights.