Resident Magistrate Krishnan Prasad criticized the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) during a court hearing today for postponing the case of suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Salote Panapasa. FICAC Counsel Mary Takinana had asked for additional time to prepare for a Pre-Trial Conference for Agreed Facts and informed the court that she would take over the case.
Magistrate Prasad emphasized the importance of resolving the case swiftly, asserting that every accused individual has the right to a prompt hearing. He instructed FICAC to hold a Pre-Trial Conference on October 28 at 11 am.
Panapasa, who has been charged by FICAC, appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court earlier today. She faces two counts of abuse of office and an alternative charge of general dishonesty leading to a loss. The court has adjourned the case until November 11 to address Agreed Facts and to schedule a hearing date.