A 39-year-old man charged with the murder of his Australian wife has been denied bail after facing court for the first time in Fiji.

Key points: Henri Lusaka was denied bail after prosecutors said they had a "very strong" case

Henri Lusaka was denied bail after prosecutors said they had a "very strong" case His wife and alleged victim, Jennifer Anne Downes, worked for the UN's food program

His wife and alleged victim, Jennifer Anne Downes, worked for the UN's food program Mr Lusaka appeared without lawyers and will next appear in court on August 26

"This is an indictable offence — the state asks that it be transferred to High Court," said prosecutor Sitiveni Baleitaveuni.

"The state objects bail on the grounds the state has very strong case in this matter [and] also this case is of public interest."

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Congolese national and Australian permanent resident Henri Lusaka was charged with murder by police over the weekend several weeks after his Australian wife, 44-year-old United Nations development worker Jennifer Downes — known professionally as Jennifer Lusaka — was found dead in her home in an apparent domestic violence incident.

Mr Lusaka was hospitalised after reportedly attempting suicide following the incident.

Following his release he was questioned by police and charged after a post-mortem conducted on July 25 found murder to be the cause of Ms Downes's death.

In his first court appearance in Suva Mr Lusaka appeared before Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama without lawyers while refusing the services of local public defenders.

Mr Lusaka told the court he would source his own legal team and was remanded in custody.

The case was adjourned until the next hearing on August 26.

Ms Downes and her husband have three children under the age of five and recently separated.

During a July visit to Fiji, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Australian woman Jennifer Downes in Fiji."

"The Australian government has zero-tolerance for violence against women and their children, both at home and abroad."

"We are deeply committed to working with Pacific governments, women's organisations and communities to end violence against women and children."