Rajendra Chaudhry charged by FICAC

Fiji Sports Council Board Co-Chairman Rajendra Chaudhry and a secretary at the council Losalini Waqausa appeared in the Suva Magistrate's Court this afternoon charged with obstructing an officer of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.

It is alleged that on 10th April, 2008, Chaudhry willfully obstructed FICAC officer Loraini Seru by preventing access to a witness, namely Losalini Waqausa.

Waqausa is charged with allegedly willingly obstructing the FICAC officer in the execution of her duty by refusing to give a statement. The FICAC officers were seeking access to the witness for a statement in relation to certain investigations being conducted into the Fiji Sports Council. Waqausa requested for a legal counsel and her plea has been deferred.

Chaudhry told Magistrate Anjula Wati that he would represent himself in the case. FICAC lawyer Sophia Shah then made a submission on bail conditions which included that the two report to the FICAC office every fortnight.

However, Chaudhry strongly objected to this stating that FICAC had not sought their passports and thus they are not deemed flight risks. He told the Magistrate that he is a professional and does not have the time to go and say hello and have a cup of coffee with FICAC.

Magistrate Wati granted both $500 bail, warned them not to interfere with witnesses and ordered that they report at the FICAC office once a month.

Meanwhile, soon after signing his bail bond, Chaudhry addressed to the media outside of court and lashed out at FICAC saying he was only acting in his capacity as a lawyer. According to Chaudhry, FICAC is an embarrassment.