A businessman in Suva faces mounting pressure from the court after repeatedly submitting last-minute medical certificates to evade attending his trial. Magistrate Yogesh Prasad has indicated that if this practice continues, a medical doctor may be summoned for evaluation. The 42-year-old defendant’s pattern of delaying proceedings has raised concerns among court officials.
He is charged with serious offenses, including 12 counts of posting intimate visual recordings and one count of criminal intimidation against his 37-year-old wife. Allegations state that he uploaded intimate videos of her to a pornographic website without her consent, a situation that came to light when the wife discovered the recordings and reported them to the Police Cybercrime Unit. This led to the formal charges being filed against him.
On August 26, 2024, the businessman pleaded not guilty to all counts, with his case lingering in the judicial system since 2021. Magistrate Prasad stressed the necessity of advancing the case, scheduling a one-week trial to commence in May, and emphasized that no further delays would be tolerated. He reiterated the legal principle that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Senior State Prosecutor Pooja Mishra confirmed that the State is ready to proceed with the trial, while bail for the accused has been extended. The next pretrial conference is set for March 17. This case underscores the complexities and challenges within the legal system associated with serious charges, highlighting the judiciary’s role in striving for a swift resolution to ensure justice is served for all parties involved. The court’s determination to move forward may offer a sense of hope that the legal process can effectively address such grave allegations.