FICAC Seeks Time To File Disclosures
Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption still needs time to finalise voir dire disclosures for former prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s case.
Rabuka, who is leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) appeared before Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa represented by defence lawyers Filimoni Vosarogo and Lynda Tabuya at the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday. FICAC lawyer Rashmi Aslam told the court that FICAC was still finalising voir dire disclosures and these would be served on Monday, July 9.
Mr Vosarogo told the court that Rabuka would travel out of Suva from July 11 to 20 and will inform the court in writing of his intended destination. Magistrate Boseiwaqa told Mr Aslam to serve the disclosures on Monday. 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 a 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 on, his tax liability with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service in the amount of $316,956.20, his investment and interest income with Raghwan Construction Limited in the amount of $200,000 and $16,000 respectively and his liability with the said Raghwan Construction Limited in the amount of $120,000.
The case was adjourned to July 27.