Kalaveti Ravu, the former Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, has submitted a request to modify the conditions of his bail in order to travel to China. Ravu attended a hearing in the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday, presided over by Magistrate Jeremaia Savou. He faces one charge of abuse of office, stemming from allegations that he compromised a Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry investigation regarding the illegal trade of banned beche-de-mer species between July 25 and August 31 of the previous year.
His attorney, Lavi Rokoika, informed the court that Ravu needs to attend a seminar in China from October 22 to 31. FICAC prosecutor Lavenia Ravuikadavu requested a formal application from the defense; however, Magistrate Savou deemed the formal letter from Parliament adequate, as it included the required affidavit and evidence.
FICAC has been allotted 14 days to respond to the application for Ravu’s bail amendment. The magistrate ordered that a copy of Ravu’s passport biodata page be submitted to FICAC by the end of business yesterday.
Additionally, Tekata Toaisi, who faces charges related to aiding and abetting Ravu’s alleged abuse of office, was unable to attend court yesterday due to a scheduling mix-up. His absence was noted, and the court has suspended his bench warrant since he was on Rabi Island at the time.
The trial for both Ravu and Toaisi is scheduled for February 3 to 7 next year. Ravuikadavu stated that the prosecution is ready to proceed with the trial, prepared with 12 witnesses and 39 documents. The case has been adjourned until October 3, when the State’s response to Ravu’s bail modification and the pretrial conference will be reviewed.