The court has postponed the bail variation request from former Minister for Fisheries and Forests, Kalaveti Ravu, allowing him to travel to China until next Monday. The hearing did not take place today due to the illness of the presiding Magistrate. Ravu faces a charge of abuse of office alongside Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi, who is accused of aiding and abetting the abuse of office.
The allegations state that between July 25 and August 31, 2023, Ravu interfered in a legitimate investigation by the Ministry of Forestry regarding the illegal trade of prohibited beche-de-mer species. Toaisi is alleged to have assisted the Minister in committing this offence while employed at the Ministry. Ravu has previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case is scheduled for further review on October 7 for the bail variation hearing.