Judge rules Qarase has a case to answer

Former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has a case to answer in the Fijian Holdings trial.

High Court Judge Justice Priyantha Fernando made his ruling this afternoon saying he carefully considered FICAC and defense submissions and found that there is evidence that the accused made the application for shares on behalf of Q-Ten Investments, Cicia Plantation Co-op Society Limited and Mavana Investment Limited.

He further said that nothing has been shown in evidence that the accused declared his interest in these companies.

Justice Fernando added the accused has a case to answer in all the nine counts.

Also today, Laisenia Qarase in consultation with the defense counsel has decided not to give evidence in the Fijian Holdings trail.

Qarase’s lawyer Tupou Draunidalo today told the Suva High Court that she has to submit a list of amended witnesses in the trial tomorrow due to the nature of the case as some witnesses have pulled out.

She told Judge Justice Priyantha Fernando that she has to arrange a video link with a former director of Fijian Holdings Limited who now resides in England.

Meanwhile, in another of his rulings today, High Court Judge Justice Priyantha Fernando refused the application for a permanent stay on proceedings in Qarase’s FHL trial.

Justice Fernando said he cannot say what the missing witnesses could have said.

Justice Fernando said the application by the defense lawyer fails to show that the accused cannot be tried fairly.

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.

The case resumes 9.45am tomorrow.


Story by: Dhanjay Deo