Justin Ho’s counsel, Iqbal Khan, made an application in the Lautoka High Court this morning for the case to be heard in a closed court, as the defence began presenting its case.

After the application was made, State Counsel John Rabuku raised concerns that they had not been informed about the request earlier, preventing them from preparing a proper response.

Khan stated that Ho was concerned for his and his family’s safety, as they had received threats.

In response, Rabuku said that if Ho had such concerns, he should have reported them to the police. However, there are no records of any such reports.

He added that the number one rule in criminal cases is that they should be open to the public.

High Court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge then ruled that the application did not meet the legal requirements for the case to be heard in a closed court.

Justice Aluthge also stated that he has full confidence in the authorities.

Justin Ho and David Heritage are charged with the unlawful importation of illicit drugs in Nadi between the 1st of November and the 23rd of December 2023, without lawful authority.