Qarase pleads Not Guilty

A sombre looking Ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase last night pleaded not guilty to one count of Administration of Property of a Special Character or with Special Duties, charges of Abuse of Office before Magistrate Aruna Prasad.

The Abuse of Office charges were linked to his terms as Director of Fijian Holdings Limited, a member of the Fijian Affairs Board and advisor to the Great Council of Chiefs during November 1991 to February 1995.

Count One saw Qarase charged with administration of property of a special character or with special duties.

It is alleged while he was employed by Fijian Holdings, he acquired in 1992 indirectly by means of a Qarase family company, Q-Ten Investments Limited, a private interest in such business and/or shares, namely 200,000 Class "A" shares in FHL and holding such shares until February 1995.

Count Two saw Qarase charged with Abuse of Office. It is alleged that he applied in the name of Q-Ten for the issue and allotment of Class "A" shares and as Director of the Fijian Holdings approved the issue and allotment of the shares to Q-Ten and failed to disclose his interest with Q-Ten to FHL, FAB and the GCC for the purpose of gain, namely to benefit and give an unfair advantage to the shareholders of the said Q-Ten.

Count Three saw Qarase charged with Abuse of Office. It is alleged that he applied in the name of Cicia Plantation Co-Op Society Limited for Class "A" shares in FHL and as Director FHL approved the issue of the shares and also failed to disclose his interests to FHL, FAB or the GCC.

Count Four also saw Qarase charged with Abuse of Office. It is alleged that he applied in the name of Mavana Investments Limited for Class "A" shares in FHL and as Director FHL approved the issue of the shares and also failed to disclose his interests to FHL, FAB or the GCC.

The case which was scheduled to begin at 5.30pm, started two hours late.

Magistrate Prasad questioned FICAC Legal Counsel, Sofia Shah as to why the charges were done so late as court clerks and everyone else involved had to catch buses, go home to their families and have dinner adding the next time around, the charges need to be brought at a reasonable time. Shah apologized saying the lateness was due to unforeseen circumstances. After the charges were read and a plea was taken, as per the conditions of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, Qarase was released on $2,000 bail with an assurity of the same amount to be provided.

He was also told by Magistrate Prasad not to interfere with witnesses and was reminded not to discuss the matter with the media as the case is now before the courts. FICAC lawyer, Sofia Shah told the Court their conditions would not propose restricting Qarase's movements as he had a sick wife to tend to.

The case has been moved to the 28th of March for mention.