The indictment of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, is a matter that lies solely with the Court, according to former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry. This statement came in response to remarks made by Mr. Prasad regarding the charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
FICAC planned to file multiple charges against Mr. Prasad on September 5 concerning the declarations of his assets, income, and liabilities in violation of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013. Mr. Prasad has previously indicated that his legal team would manage the situation and declined to provide further comments.
The situation escalated on September 5 when former Deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Puleiwai resigned after discussions with the Judicial Services Commission. She has since been succeeded by new Commissioner Barbara Malimali.
Mr. Chaudhry emphasized that Mr. Prasad’s defense from his legal representatives is inconsequential. “It is for the courts, not his lawyers, to decide on the merits of the charges,” he stated.