Rabuka Denies Charge

Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) Leader Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka yesterday denied providing false declaration of assets, income and liabilities to the Supervisor of Elections.

Rabuka appeared before Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa for his plea and was represented by defence lawyers Filimoni Vosarogo and Lynda Tabuya.

Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption senior lawyer Rashmi Aslam appeared for the prosecution.

Rabuka is charged under Section 24 (1) (a) and 24 (5) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act of 2013.

It is alleged that on or about December 29, 2017, as the leader of registered political party namely SODELPA, Rabuka allegedly provided a false declaration of assets and liabilities to the Supervisor of Elections.

He allegedly did this by failing to provide information namely, the tax liability with Fiji Revenue and Customs Service in the amount of $316,956.20, the investment and interest income with Raghwan Construction Limited in the amount of $200,000 and $16,000 respectively and the liability with the said Raghwan Construction Limited in the amount of $120,000.

Both counsels had no objections to Magistrate Boseiwaqa hearing the matter after it was revealed in the first court sitting that Magistrate Boseiwaqa’s father attended school with the accused in the 1960s. Mr Aslam then revealed in court that they would be relying on Rabuka’s alleged full admission and confession in his caution interview. Mr Vosarogo responded saying they were in agreement with FICAC’s position on the issue of recusal and they would furnish the prosecution and the court within seven days with voir dire grounds to challenge Rabuka’s alleged confessions.

He added that they would request FICAC to provide them with statements of those who were initially involved in the conduct of the investigation against the accused and his interview process.

Mr Aslam said they would provide the defence with further disclosures once they receive the voir dire grounds.

Ms Tabuya said they wanted further disclosures from FICAC to find out the identity of the original complainant.

Mr Aslam responded and advised Ms Tabuya to read the disclosures provided because it had the first complainant’s identity.

The case has been adjourned to June 15, 2018, for mention. Rabuka’s bail was extended.