Kalaveti Ravu, the former Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, has requested to modify the conditions of his bail in order to travel to China. He appeared in the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou. Ravu faces a charge of abuse of office, stemming from accusations of interfering with an investigation by the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry into the illegal trade of banned beche-de-mer species, reportedly occurring between July 25 and August 31 of last year.
Ravu’s lawyer, Lavi Rokoika, informed the court that her client needs to attend a seminar in China from October 22 to 31. FICAC prosecutor Lavenia Ravuikadavu requested a formal application from the defense; however, Magistrate Savou acknowledged that the formal letter from Parliament was adequate as it included the necessary affidavit and supporting evidence. FICAC has been given 14 days to respond to this request.
Additionally, Magistrate Savou ordered that a copy of Ravu’s passport biodata page be submitted to the prosecutor’s office by the end of the business day yesterday.
In a related matter, Tekata Toaisi, who is charged alongside Ravu for aiding and abetting the alleged abuse of office, missed the court session due to a misunderstanding of the date. He was also on Rabi Island at the time, leading the court to suspend his bench warrant. The trial for both defendants is scheduled for February 3 to 7 next year.
Prosecutor Ravuikadavu stated that they are ready to proceed with the trial, having lined up 12 witnesses and prepared 39 documents for presentation. The next court date has been set for October 3 to review the State’s response to Ravu’s bail modification and to conduct a pretrial conference.