Former Fisheries and Forests Minister Kalaveti Ravu was absent from the Suva Magistrates Court this morning, where he faces a charge of abuse of office. His co-defendant, former Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, attended the hearing before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou.
FICAC Counsel Lavenia Ravuikadavu expressed concern over Ravu’s absence, noting that the commission had not been informed of his absence ahead of time. She stated that should Ravu miss the next hearing, FICAC would seek a bench warrant for his arrest.
Toaisi’s lawyer, Jioji Cakau, clarified that Ravu’s absence was due to his attendance at a Parliament Committee Meeting in Nadi. Cakau also mentioned that Ravu’s legal team is scheduled to submit pre-trial documents and necessary disclosures to FICAC by this Friday.
The charges allege that between July 25 and August 31, 2023, Ravu interfered with a Ministry of Forestry investigation into the illegal trade of banned beche-de-mer species. Additionally, Toaisi is accused of aiding and abetting Ravu in these alleged activities.
The court has adjourned the matter until the 21st of this month, with a trial date set for February.
This case illustrates the ongoing efforts to uphold the rule of law and accountability among public officials. There is anticipation about how this situation will unfold in the coming months, emphasizing the importance of transparency in governance. It also reinforces the commitment of authorities to tackle issues related to environmental protection.
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