The Suva High Court has heard the application for a bail variation for the Fiji Times publisher Hank Arts and will give its ruling on 25 January.
The Fiji Times headquarters on Victoria Parade, Suva Photo: RNZI / Sally Round
In August, Mr Arts was charged with inciting communal antagonism and if found guilty, he risks up to ten years in prison.
He sought a bail variation to go to New Zealand.
The prosecution opposed a bail variation on the grounds that Mr Arts is a flight risk.
The charges relate to an article published in April in the newspaper's i-Taukei language Nai Lalakai paper.
Those charged include the writer of the article Josaia Waqabaca, the Nai Lalakai Editor Anare Ravula and the Fiji Times Editor Fred Wesley.