A man facing murder charges for the death of 25-year-old Shabreen Shain Ali was denied the opportunity to represent himself in court during a hearing yesterday. Anare Vuli Cilicewa appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu at the High Court in Suva, where the prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Mr. Cilicewa fatally injured Ms. Ali following a heated argument on September 8, 2024, using an unspecified object.
During the proceedings, defense attorney Olive Grace revealed that Mr. Cilicewa wished to withdraw his application for legal representation from the Legal Aid Commission and instead handle his own defense. She also raised concerns regarding Mr. Cilicewa’s safety, stating that he claimed to have been assaulted by prison officers while in remand.
Justice Bulamainaivalu denied Mr. Cilicewa’s self-representation request, noting that a trial date had already been established. The judge further instructed counsel Manisha Singh to visit Mr. Cilicewa in remand to investigate the allegations of assault.
The case is now scheduled for adjournment on February 3, where further developments are anticipated. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is crucial for justice to be served, ensuring a fair trial process for all involved.
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