The bail variation application for former Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu, who seeks to travel to China, has been postponed to next Monday. The court session did not take place today as the Magistrate was unwell.
Ravu faces a charge of abuse of office, alongside Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who is charged with aiding and abetting that offense. The allegations suggest that between July 25, 2023, and August 31, 2023, Ravu intervened in a legitimate investigation by the Ministry of Forestry regarding the illegal trade of protected species of beche-de-mer.
Toaisi is accused of assisting Ravu while employed at the Ministry in committing the alleged abuse of office. The former Minister has previously entered a plea of not guilty. The case is scheduled for a bail variation hearing on October 7.