SUVA (Pacnews) — Fiji’s acting Chief Justice Anthony Gates says ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has the basic right to attend his court litigation against the military.
The comment was made as Qarase’s case was called in the High Court here in Suva.
Qarase and senior members of his Soqosoqo Duavata Ni Lewenivanua Party are taking legal action against the military for the Dec. 5 overthrow of the SDL-led government.
Qarase’s lawyer Tevita Fa has been ordered to file supplementary affidavits in the High Court next Thursday.
Gates has set April 11 for when he will determine whether lawyer Tevita Fa needs more time to oppose the military’s travel ban on Qarase.
The military is not allowing Qarase to travel to Suva from his home island in the eastern Fiji islands where he fled to a day after the coup.
Earlier last week Qarase said he might instruct Fa to file papers in court to enable him to travel to Suva for the court case.