Loghman Sawari

Sawari and his lawyer appeared in the grade 5 court on Friday before Magistrate Mekeo Gauli.

He was formally arraigned, or had his charges read to him in court, where he pleaded not guilty. A trial will be conducted next Tuesday.

The 21-year-old was arrested and charged for providing false information for the purpose of obtaining a PNG passport from the PNG Immigration and Citizen Services Authority, a charge that falls under section 16 (1) of the Passport Act of 1982.

Loghman Sawari fled persecution in Iran to Australia at the age of 17 but was imprisoned on Manus even though he was a minor.

He tried to settle in PNG, but out of fear for his safety he fled to Fiji.

Now aged 21, Loghman Sawari said he had been in Fiji for a week and had been taken in by a family.

"I like Fiji people because they smile and they respect," said Mr Sawari.

"I don't know much about Fiji. I don't know what the government will be saying about me," he said.