The counsel for Tanya Waqanika, Barbara Malimali, has revealed in the Suva Magistrates Court today that they will call four to five witnesses in Waqanika’s FICAC trial.
Waqanika appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning.
FICAC counsel Joseph Work says the prosecution will also call four to five witnesses.
Magistrate Yogesh Prasad says former Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad’s FICAC trial may continue for another two to three weeks and could spill over into the dates currently set for Waqanika’s trial.
He says the trial dates may therefore need to be shifted.
Malimali says the defence is also keeping an eye on Professor Prasad’s case.
Waqanika’s trial is currently scheduled from September 28th to October 2nd.
She is charged with one count of publicly indicating opposition to a political party.
It is alleged that on or about April 19th, 2024, while serving as a public officer, namely as a board member of Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Limited, Waqanika publicly indicated opposition to SODELPA.