The High Court in Lautoka, under Justice Riyaz Hamza, stated that he cannot prevent the media from reporting on court proceedings. This remark followed a request by State lawyer Muhammed Ifraaz Rafiq for closed court sessions to protect the identity of a witness in the murder trial of Mohammed Naushad and Nazreen Nisha Khan from Sigatoka.
The couple is accused of murdering an 18-year-old student on June 30, 2022. Additionally, Naushad faces a separate charge of criminal intimidation. Rafiq expressed concerns for the witness’s safety, as she reported that her personal information was being shared on Facebook, making her a vulnerable participant in the case.
Justice Hamza emphasized his inability to restrict media coverage of court activities. Meanwhile, defense attorney Iqbal Khan insisted on the necessity of a fair trial. He pointed out that the witness was a minor at the time the case was opened in 2022 and is now an adult, noting that the offense is one of murder, not a sexual nature.
The trial convened for a closed session at 12:05 PM yesterday and is set to continue today.