Qarase trial will go ahead says Judge

Another attempt has been made by former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase’s lawyer today for his Fijian Holdings trial date to be vacated.

However, High Court judge Justice Priyantha Fernando has stressed that the trial will go ahead from next Tuesday.

Qarase’s lawyer Qoriniasi Bale said Qarase is still looking for a lawyer and at this stage no one will be representing him if the trial goes ahead on Tuesday.

Bale said they are still talking to a Queens Counsel and a local lawyer.

Justice Fernando said sufficient time has been given to Qarase.

He said Justice Daniel Goundar had given 8 months for Qarase to look for a lawyer.

The case has been adjourned to Monday and the trial will begin on Tuesday.

Bale said a local lawyer will represent Qarase on Monday.

This is Qarase’s first case in relation to Fijian Holdings Limited where it is alleged that he facilitated and allowed the purchase of Class A FHL shares for certain companies when he was director of FHL, financial advisor of the Fijian Affairs Board and advisor to the Great Council of Chiefs.

The case relates to the allotment and issuance of the FHL shares to Cicia Plantation Co-op Society Limited, Mavana Investments Limited and a family owned company named Q-Ten Investments Limited.


Story by: Vijay Narayan & Ronal Deo