All Nations Church General Superintendent, Epeli Ratabacaca who is charged with two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault wants to travel to New Zealand next week.

His lawyer, Filimoni Vosarogo made oral submissions in a jam packed Suva High Court room before Judge Justice, Salesi Temo this morning.

He informed the court that his client, Ratabacaca wants to travel to New Zealand on the 21st of this month.

Justice Salesi Temo said that the bail variation application was made on such a short notice and that the charge is a serious one.

He has given the Prosecution time till Monday afternoon to reply to the affidavits filed by Vosarogo.

Justice Temo said that New Zealand is one country that is against Fiji's judiciary and that there is no co-operation from New Zealand in judicial matters.

Justice Temo also said Fiji has not been able to get people back after they absconded to New Zealand.

The case will be called again on Monday.
 
Story by: Praneeta Deo and Ronal Deo