The legal proceedings involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum have temporarily been halted. The Suva Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza, decided to pause the hearing on the motions raised by the two defendants until the outcome of an appeal in the High Court is determined.

During the court session, defense attorney Devanesh Sharma informed the Magistrate about the scheduled appeal regarding pretrial matters previously ruled on by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad. This crucial appeal is set to be heard by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe on November 4.

One significant motion in the appeal relates to the former acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), John Rabuku. The defense argues that Rabuku’s appointment was unconstitutional, rendering the charges against Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum unwarranted. The defense is also seeking declarations affirming that the defendants’ human rights were violated, and they claim that the charges sanctioned by Rabuku are null and void.

In response, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Laisani Tabuakuro, criticized the defense motions, characterizing them as frivolous and without merit. She requested that the court dismiss these motions and questioned the basis of their claims.

Bainimarama, Sayed-Khaiyum, and former Health Minister Dr. Neil Sharma are facing serious charges, including abuse of office, obstructing justice, and breach of trust, stemming from alleged misconduct in 2011. The case draws significant public interest, and the court has set a tentative trial date from August 4 to 28 of next year.

Both sides are gearing up for a complex legal battle, with the State planning to call 13 witnesses, while the defense aims to present several witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s claims. The next court date has been set for October 26, where the presence of the accused has been excused.

This development highlights the ongoing struggles within Fiji’s political landscape and the legal intricacies involved in such high-profile cases. The situation remains fluid, and the outcomes of the upcoming hearings could provide clarity or further complicate the matters at hand.

Overall, it is hoped that these proceedings will ultimately lead to fair and just outcomes for all parties involved, reflecting the integrity of the legal system.