A stop-departure order against businessman Jason Zhong has been lifted, allowing him to travel overseas for business. Zhong is one of two individuals facing corruption-related charges by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
During his appearance before Resident Magistrate Shelyn Kiran, Zhong’s defence counsel, Barbara Malimali, requested the order be lifted to facilitate Zhong’s business activities abroad. Malimali assured the court that Zhong would return each time he traveled.
Magistrate Kiran granted the request and directed the Prosecution to respond to Zhong’s representation. Additionally, the first accused, Solomone Keteravu’s counsel, was instructed to correspond with the prosecution regarding disclosure statements.
Zhong and Keteravu are each charged with one count of bribery. It is alleged that Keteravu, while working as an Assistant Estate Officer at the iTaukei Land Trust Board around 1st December 2018, accepted a $300 bribe in Nadi. Keteravu also faces an alternative charge of accepting a $300 advantage from Zhong. Zhong is accused of offering $300 to Keteravu for performing an act in his capacity as a public servant.
The case has been adjourned to 24 September for mention.