Qarase’s verdict today

The three assessors in Laisenia Qarase's Fijian Holdings Limited trial are expected to deliver their verdict later today after the summing up by presiding judge, Justice Priyantha Fernando at 11 this morning.

After Justice Fernando's summing up in the next 3 hours, the assessors will retire behind closed doors and will only return when they have decided on the verdict. 

Last week while closing the defense case, Qarase's lawyer, Tupou Draunidalo said in court that FICAC is building a huge case and making something out of nothing.

Draunidalo said FICAC is trying to apply public sector rules in the private sector as FHL was a private company at the time.

Meanwhile, FICAC's Senior Counsel, Michael Blanchflower told the assessors Qarase was not an ordinary person sitting on the FHL board as he was a public servant appointed by the Minister of Fijian Affairs.

He said this case is not about Cicia Plantation Co-op or Mavana Investments gains but it is about other provincial councils who did not gain as Qaarase was not representing them.

Qarase is charged with 6 counts of abuse of office and three counts of discharge of duty with respect to property in which he has a private interest.

It is alleged that Qarase applied, and then 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 Q-Ten Investments Limited.

Stay with us for coverage on Qarase's trial.

Story by: Vijay Narayan