Lawyers representing former Health Minister Dr. Neil Sharma are contesting the admissibility of evidence presented by the prosecution, asserting that it constitutes hearsay. Dr. Sharma faces charges alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for abuse of office, obstructing justice, and breach of trust related to transactions from 2011.
Wylie Clarke, the Fiji Law Society president and Dr. Sharma’s legal representative, is challenging the prosecution’s tender evaluation report and its accompanying minutes, arguing that they are crucial to the case’s foundation and warrant careful examination for their legal admissibility.
Although the trial for all three defendants was set to commence yesterday, proceedings have been postponed pending a decision on this significant legal matter. Devanesh Sharma, who represents Mr. Bainimarama and Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum, expressed readiness to proceed with the trial but acknowledged the importance of the legal issue raised by Mr. Clarke.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro opposed the challenge, claiming that concerns over admissibility should have been addressed earlier in the process, considering the case has been active since 2024. Ms. Tabuakuro characterized this move as a potential tactic aimed at delaying the trial.
Justice Usaia Ratuvili is scheduled to hear arguments from both sides on this matter tomorrow at 10:30 AM. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to gain attention, underscoring the complexities involved in legal interpretations and the pursuit of justice in public office.
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