Qarase not present in court

Former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase's lawyer wants her client's appeal case in relation to the Fijian Holdings Limited trial to be heard in the Fiji Court of Appeal's November session this year.

This morning Qarase was not present in court as Tupou Draunidalo told Justice Suresh Chandra that the production order was not granted by the registry.

She added that her client is an intelligent man and wants to be present in court during the hearing. Justice Chandra told FICAC lawyer Vinsent Parera to ensure the registry takes step.

Draunidalo said she wants hearing on the matter to be heard as soon as possible.

Justice Chandra highlighted that Draunidalo has raised twenty grounds of appeal which is a lot and gave Draunidalo till 2nd October to file written submissions while FICAC has been given till 19th October to file their written submissions.

The hearing on the leave to appeal will be on 31st October.

Qarase was sentenced for 12 months by high court judge, Justice Priyantha Fernando in July after he was found guilty of six counts of abuse of office and three counts of discharging his duty with respect to property in which he had a private interest.

Story by: Ronal Deo