The four week trial of former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase will start this morning.
High Court Judge, Justice Priyantha Fernando stressed in court again yesterday that Qarase’s Fijian Holdings trial will go ahead as scheduled after Qarase’s lawyer, Samanunu Vaniqi said she may file an application to stay the proceedings today.
Qarase will also be represented by Tupou Draunidalo.
Justice Fernando said he had already indicated in his earlier ruling that the trial date will not be vacated by any stay proceedings and the case will start today.
FICAC is represented by two Hong Kong based Senior Counsels, Micheal Blanchflower and Elizabeth Yang.
This is Qarase’s first case in relation to Fijian Holdings Limited where it is alleged that he 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 a family owned company named Q-Ten Investments Limited.
The case is expected to start at 9.45am.
Story by: Vijay Narayan & Ronal Deo
