Qarase’s trial date expected to be set today

The trial date for former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase in relation to his Fijian Holdings Limited case is expected to be set today.

Qarase has pleaded not guilty to the charges before Justice Daniel Goundar.

He is charged with six counts of abuse of office and three counts of discharge of duty with respect to property in which he has a private interest.

It was earlier stated in the High Court that Qarase’s trial proper is expected to start on the 22nd of this month.

It is alleged that Qarase in or about March to May 1992 being employed as a Director of Fijian Holdings Limited, financial advisor of the Fijian Affairs Board and advisor to the Great Council of Chiefs, and in abuse of the authority of his office, did an arbitrary act, in that he applied in the name of the Qarase family company, Q-Ten Investments Limited for the issuance and allotment of Class A shares in FHL.

It is alleged that he also facilitated the approval of the issuance of the Class A shares to Q-Ten Investments.

Qarase allegedly did the same for Cicia Plantation Co-op Society Limited and Mavana Investments Limited.

Qarase’s lawyer, Qoriniasi Bale had earlier informed Justice Goundar that he wants more time to engage a Queens Counsel who they can afford. FICAC is also getting in a Queens Counsel to prosecute the case.


Story by: Vijay Narayan