In a press conference, Qarase said his party, Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua, wants overseas judges appointed to hear the appeal.
Five other members of his multi-party government — Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Adi Sivia Qoro and Josefa Vosanibola — have joined in the appeal.
A High Court panel, including the acting Chief Justice Anthony Gates, Justice Davendra Pathik and Justice John Byrnes, on Oct. 9 dismissed the case challenging the overthrow of the Qarase government.
Qarase said the judgment has far reaching consequences for Fiji and for any nation that faces danger from a military with aggressive political ambitions.
“The judgment as a whole is wrong in law and in fact,” he said. “It has attracted much interest and drawn sharp criticism from astute legal minds and commentators here in Fiji and abroad. The have relentlessly questioned the integrity, independence and impartiality of our judiciary.”
He adds the High Court judgment has many questionable aspects.
“It elevates the powers of the president far above the Constitution. This was not envisaged at all by the architects and founders of that document which is our supreme law,” he said.
Qarase said the judgment by the High Court will actually encourage further coups and every effort must be made to have its findings overturned.
“The day of justice will come, and we will press on until it is achieved,” he added.
