A man facing allegations of raping his 33-year-old niece has been granted a non-cash bail bond of $500. The man, who is in his 50s and a father of two, appeared in front of Suva judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe charged with rape.
The incident reportedly took place during a drinking session at the man’s apartment in Tacirua earlier this June. During the court proceedings, state lawyer Katarina Dugan expressed that she had no objections to the bail after completing the necessary surety checks. The defense lawyer, Shahlaa Begum, indicated that her client would be living in Nadi.
Justice Rajasinghe has instructed Ms. Dugan to provide a Domestic Violence Restraining Order to both the accused and the complainant by November 28. The prosecution plans to present three witnesses, including the complainant and the investigating officer, while the defense will call only the accused. A hearing date has been scheduled for April 11 of the following year.
This case underscores the importance of judicial processes in serious allegations such as this one, allowing time for a thorough investigation while maintaining necessary legal rights for both parties involved. It is a reminder of the legal system’s commitment to resolving such sensitive issues with care and the expectation of accountability at every step.
In a hopeful note, the establishment of a Domestic Violence Restraining Order signals a proactive approach to ensuring the safety of the complainant as the case unfolds.
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