No agreement has been reached between the State and the prosecution concerning the proposed facts and documents related to the case of former Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad. During a session in the Suva Magistrate’s Court on Monday, both parties informed Magistrate Yogesh Prasad that discussions are still ongoing. The aim of the proposed agreement is to streamline and shorten the upcoming trial.
Professor Prasad faces allegations of failing to comply with statutory disclosure requirements, reportedly from an incident that occurred in 2015. He is also charged with providing false information in a statutory declaration by allegedly omitting a directorship. The case has been adjourned until April 20, where a pretrial conference will take place.
In a separate legal matter, the prosecution has been granted one week to deliver documents requested by lawyer Tanya Waqanika related to evidence from a case linked to the 2014 general election. Ms. Waqanika is charged with publicly opposing a political party, a violation under the Political Parties Act. Bail provisions have been extended for her, and her application for a permanent stay is set for hearing on January 29 in the High Court, with the matter adjourned to February 17.
These proceedings highlight ongoing legal challenges within the political landscape, reflecting the complexities of adhering to statutory obligations and the implications of political expression. As these cases unfold, they could set important precedents for future political and legal conduct in the country.
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