Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry stated that the decision regarding the indictment of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, lies solely with the court and not with his attorneys. This statement was made in response to Mr. Prasad’s comments concerning the charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
FICAC had planned to file charges against Mr. Prasad on September 5 for multiple counts related to the failure to properly declare assets, income, and liabilities, which violates Section 24 (l)(b)(iv) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.
In previous statements, Mr. Prasad maintained that his legal team was managing the situation and would not offer additional comments. The gravity of the indictment increased on September 5, coinciding with the resignation of former Deputy FICAC Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai, after discussions with the Judicial Services Commission. Barbara Malimali has since been appointed as the new Commissioner.
Mr. Chaudhry remarked that Mr. Prasad’s assertion that his lawyers have rejected the charges is irrelevant, emphasizing that it is the court’s responsibility to evaluate the validity of the charges.