A travel ban on businessman Jason Zhong has been lifted, allowing him to travel overseas for business purposes. Zhong, one of two individuals facing corruption charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, had the order lifted following a court appearance.
Appearing before Resident Magistrate Shelyn Kiran, Zhong’s defence lawyer Barbara Malimali requested the removal of the order to facilitate his business activities abroad, assuring the court of Zhong’s return each time he leaves the country.
Upon granting the request, Magistrate Kiran instructed the Prosecution to respond to Zhong’s representation and directed the counsel for the first accused, Solomone Keteravu, to communicate with the prosecution regarding disclosure of statements.
Both Zhong and Keteravu are charged with one count of bribery. Keteravu, an Assistant Estate Officer at the iTaukei Land Trust Board, allegedly accepted a $300 bribe from Zhong in December 2018. An alternative charge against Keteravu accuses him of accepting this advantage from Zhong in his capacity as a public servant.
The case has been adjourned to 24 September for further mention.