Fiji’s Former Deputy PM Pleads Not Guilty in Disclosure Charges

Former Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad has entered a plea of not guilty to two charges during a court appearance at the Suva Magistrates Court this morning. The charges allege that Prasad failed to meet statutory disclosure requirements and provided false information in a statutory declaration.

The hearing, presided over by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, revealed that the accusations stem from Prasad’s actions on or around December 30, 2015. As an office holder of the registered National Federation Party under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, he allegedly did not declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Limited when submitting his annual statement of assets, liabilities, and income to the Registrar of Political Parties, as required by Section 24(1)(b)(iv) of the Act.

In addition to this charge, Prasad is accused of submitting a false statutory declaration, having allegedly included the omission of his directorship recklessly, which made the declaration materially false.

During the court proceedings, Richard Naidu, representing Prasad from Munroe Leys law firm, indicated that an application for a permanent stay of the case would be filed due to Prasad’s upcoming travels from December 20 to 27. The prosecution expressed no objections to this application, particularly since Prasad has provided details of his travel itinerary.

The prosecution disclosed that a total of 12 documents have been shared with the defense, and assured that they would inform the defense of any relevant documents that may surface in the future. Magistrate Prasad also noted that the trial is anticipated to commence in March, as the case will follow the standard queue of proceedings. Prasad’s bail has been extended, with the case scheduled for further mention on January 26.

This ongoing legal situation highlights the complexities surrounding political accountability and transparency in the political landscape, with many closely watching how the case unfolds in the coming months.