FICAC has filed an amended charge against lawyer Tanya Waqanika, which was addressed in the Suva Magistrate’s Court this morning in front of Magistrate Yogesh Prasad. Waqanika is facing allegations of publicly opposing a political party, which is a violation of section 14 (7) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, in conjunction with Section 14 (1)(d).
The case stems from an incident on April 19 of the previous year, where it is claimed that Waqanika, as a public official and a board member for both Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Ltd, made opposing comments about the SODELPA party through a Facebook post. The recent amendment to the charge primarily corrects the spelling of her name.
The prosecution was represented by Rusiate Doidoi, while Barbara Malimali defended Ms. Waqanika. Following the court proceedings, her bail conditions were extended, allowing her to remain free as the case unfolds.
This situation highlights the complexities surrounding the intersection of public officials and political expression, raising broader questions about political participation and the legal implications of public commentary in Fiji.
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