Rich suspects buying their freedom

The antics of the Fishrot accused insofar as their bail applications are structured poignantly underlines what has become of our country – a class society where the haves can use their wealth, sometimes illegally accumulated, to bully state institutions.

Being rich is a beautiful thing. Money enables us to acquire nice warm homes, opportunities to travel, fine food and high-end wine for those who indulge in fermented brews.

But when money is used to buy freedom from jail, the first question that should be asked is how those without such resources will join the outer world again.

The latter group's only way to gain such freedom is to prove to the justice system why, in the context of the charges they face, it is plausible for them to be released.

In this scenario, they can't arrogantly flaunt their wealth in the face of any judge or magistrate as a way of proving why they should be released.

The Fishrot Six have been using the very wealth that is under legal scrutiny in court as bait to gain freedom. This level of arrogance is unprecedented.

The courts should be able to grant bail to this group on pure legal and just grounds. The Fishrot accused must argue why, in law and not economics, they deserve to fight their charges from outside.

If economic grounds are a consideration, the justice system must explain how those without money should be treated when wanting out.