The Suva High Court is set to examine legal objections raised by lawyer Devanesh Sharma regarding amended charges against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and former Health Minister Dr. Neil Sharma. Sayed-Khaiyum and Dr. Sharma attended the hearing, while Bainimarama is currently in custody at the Totogo Police Station and was not present.
The state’s application to amend the charges pertains to clarifying the timeline of the alleged offenses. During the proceedings, the state counsel argued that the amendments would enhance the specificity of the charges. In response, Sharma filed comprehensive written submissions addressing objections related to the seventh count against his client.
Dr. Sharma’s legal representative sought clarification about the charges facing his client and learned that amendments were made only to counts one and three, contrary to earlier indications that counts two and four would also be amended. Sharma expressed concerns regarding affidavits presented by Counsel Laisani Tabuakuro, which may further complicate the legal proceedings.
The court has adjourned the case until next Wednesday for further legal arguments. Bainimarama, Sayed-Khaiyum, and Dr. Sharma have been excused from attending the next session.
The charges against Dr. Sharma include two counts of abuse of office and two counts of breach of trust as a public officer. Bainimarama is facing a single count of abuse of office, while Sayed-Khaiyum has been charged with one count each of abuse of office and obstructing the course of justice. These allegations arise from claims that the trio did not adhere to the statutory requirements laid out in the 2010 Procurement Regulations when awarding tenders for medical equipment in 2011.
This case highlights ongoing scrutiny of the actions of former officials and the importance of upholding legal standards in public procurement processes, reinforcing the accountability of those in power. It remains to be seen how the court will navigate the complexities of these amendments and objections.
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