The Suva High Court has directed the state to file a fresh submission regarding the appeal case of Kalaveti Ravu, the former Minister for Fisheries, who was acquitted of abuse of office charges earlier this year. Alongside Ravu, Tekata Toaisi, the former Fisheries Regional Manager North, was also acquitted in May.
During a court session today, the state indicated that they have no new grounds for the appeal, but if successful, they wish for the issue to be tried again in the High Court. The presiding judge specified that the fresh submission should focus on the legal questions involved in the case.
The allegations against Ravu included interference in an investigation by the Ministry of Forestry concerning the illegal trade of a banned species of bêche-de-mer between July 25 and August 31, 2023, with Toaisi accused of assisting him in this wrongdoing.
The state is preparing to submit their filing this Friday, while the defense, led by attorney Lavi Rokoika, is expected to respond by next Monday. A hearing for this matter is scheduled for the following Wednesday.
Previous discussions around this case have highlighted significant governance issues in Fiji, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in public service. The legal proceedings surrounding Ravu and Toaisi’s case reflect ongoing efforts to enhance democratic integrity and restore public trust in governmental operations. As the case develops, it serves as a reminder of the critical importance of ethical conduct in public office.
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