Labasa Court

The Attorney General’s Office has decided to file a refusal to respond to the verdict of two brothers accused of murder, conspiracy to assault a lawyer and his partner, indecent annoyance, damage to property and attempted murder.

The DPP decided to file the case to answer for Chote and Jowahir Lal, citing insufficient evidence.

However, a lawyer accused of the alleged crime has applied for a review of a decision made by the DPP.

The case was heard today before Judge Savenaca Banuve at the Labasa Civil Court.

The lawyer, Amrit Sen, enlisted Simione Valenitabua to represent him in the case.

Sen is accused of causing the death of John Rusiate in June 2022 when he flipped his vehicle over the victim, resulting in fatal injuries.

Sen has rejected the claim in court and maintains his innocence.

He faces one count of murder, seven counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault and one count each of criminal intimidation and conspiracy to defeat the course of justice.

Valenitabua argued that justice could not be done for Russia’s death if the brothers were released.

He also said the investigation was still ongoing when the DPP filed an application to refuse to answer for the two brothers.

He said there were concerns that crucial evidence could be overlooked or suppressed.

Valenitabua said his client, Sen, is innocent compared to the two brothers.

The case was adjourned, but the court did not give an exact date for the next hearing.