Six SODELPA parliamentarians who appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court earlier today for allegedly abusing parliamentary allowances, have been released on bail.
The six MPs, Adi Litia Qionibaravi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Niko Nawaikula, Salote Radrodro, Simione Rasova and Peceli Vosanibola appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili.
They are each charged with one count of giving false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining a financial advantage.
It is alleged that they gave false information to the Secretary-General to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua while claiming for allowances. FICAC earlier confirmed that it was investigating eight Opposition MPs and one government MP for allegedly breaching eligibility requirements for travel and accommodation allowances.
The nature of the complaint alleges that these MPs claimed travel and accommodation allowances they were not entitled to.
The case has been adjourned to 25th January next year.
In the matter against Salote Radrodro, Chief Magistrate Ratuvili disclosed that he had worked with Radrodro’s husband. There were no objections by FICAC and the defence.
FijiFirst MP, Vijendra Prakash has been charged by FICAC for allegedly abusing parliamentary allowances, and appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court earlier this afternoon.
Prakash has been granted bail by Magistrate Waleen George. He is charged with one count of giving false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining a financial advantage.
It is alleged that Prakash gave false information last year regarding his residential address to the Secretary-General to Parliament, Viniana Namosimalua while claiming for allowances.
He allegedly used false information to claim $33,000 in allowances.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
