Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika is set to contest a charge brought against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) in the High Court in Suva. This was confirmed by her attorney, Barbara Malimali, during Ms. Waqanika’s initial court appearance before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza.
Ms. Waqanika faces allegations for publicly expressing opposition to a political party, in violation of certain provisions in the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act of 2013. Specifically, FICAC claims that on April 19 of the previous year, while serving as a board member for Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Ltd., Ms. Waqanika posted comments on her Facebook account that opposed the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA).
In response to the charges, Ms. Malimali indicated that a stay application would be submitted. Following her court appearance, Ms. Waqanika was released under strict and standard bail conditions. Prosecutor Joseph Works stated that FICAC would not be seeking a stop-departure order against her. The case has been scheduled for a subsequent hearing on January 26 of next year.
This development highlights the ongoing scrutiny of public officials in relation to their conduct concerning political discourse, reflecting broader issues surrounding the balance between free speech and compliance with electoral regulations.
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