Benjamin Wainiqolo Padarath appeared in court today, where he was granted bail under strict conditions following allegations of a social media offense. The court has imposed a ban on Padarath’s use of any social media platforms, prohibiting him from posting under his own name or any aliases. Violating this condition by engaging in any social media activity traced to his IP address will result in his immediate detention.
Additionally, Padarath is required to surrender his travel documents, and a stop-departure order has been placed against him, preventing him from leaving the country. The case has been adjourned and is set to resume on February 18, 2026.
Fiji Police reported that Padarath is accused of sharing an edited newspaper article on social media that allegedly contained false and misleading information about two prominent individuals believed to be political figures. This investigation falls under Section 24 of the Online Safety Act 2018, which addresses harm caused by the posting of electronic communications.
This situation underscores the legal implications of social media activity and the importance of responsible communication in today’s digital age. As the case develops, it will serve as a significant instance highlighting the enforcement of online safety laws.
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