Former Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Kalaveti Ravu, has sought a modification of his bail conditions to facilitate travel to China. Ravu appeared before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou in the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday, facing one charge of abuse of office. He is alleged to have obstructed a Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry investigation into the illegal trade of banned beche-de-mer species between July 25 and August 31 of the previous year.
Ravu’s attorney, Lavi Rokoika, informed the court that her client needed to attend a seminar in China scheduled from October 22 to 31. FICAC prosecutor Lavenia Ravuikadavu requested a formal application from the defense; however, Magistrate Savou deemed the parliamentary letter adequate as it contained the necessary affidavit and evidence.
FICAC was granted 14 days to respond to the defense’s request, and Magistrate Savou instructed that a copy of Ravu’s passport biodata page be submitted by the end of that business day.
In a related case, Tekata Toaisi, who is also charged with aiding and abetting Ravu’s alleged abuse of office, missed the court session due to a date misunderstanding and was on Rabi Island at the time. Consequently, the court suspended his bench warrant. The trial is scheduled for February 3 to 7 next year.
Prosecutor Ravuikadavu stated they are ready for trial, prepared with 12 witnesses and 39 documents. The case was adjourned to October 3 to address the state’s response to Ravu’s bail modification request and to conduct a pretrial conference.