The Suva Magistrates Court has put the FICAC case against former Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad on hold until Thursday, with the High Court scheduled to hear today an application seeking an interim stay of the proceedings.
FICAC lawyer Joseph Work says there is nothing preventing the Magistrates Court from continuing with the proceedings despite the application filed by Professor Prasad’s counsel Richard Naidu in the High Court.
He says the witnesses are still available and the prosecution can continue taking evidence.
Work acknowledges that an application has been filed in the High Court but says the Magistrates Court is not bound by the High Court proceedings at this stage.
Naidu submitted that it would be prudent for the Magistrates Court to wait for the High Court to consider the application before continuing with the proceedings.
The matter has been adjourned to Thursday morning for mention and further directions.
