Simone Rasova, the General Secretary of the Social Democratic Liberal Party, has submitted a bail variation application to obtain permission to travel to Canberra, Australia, for work-related purposes. He appeared before Magistrate Pulekeria Low to present his case.
Rasova faces serious accusations, including providing false information regarding his permanent residence, which led him to receive $21,350 in allowances from July 2019 to April 2020—funds he was not entitled to. As he awaits a judgment on charges of misleading a public servant and obtaining financial advantages, his legal team argues that the delay of over a year in reaching a verdict on his previous application is not attributable to him.
FICAC, the agency involved in the prosecution, opposed the bail variation, arguing that the proposal for travel was not essential and was received only the afternoon prior. FICAC lawyer Josann Pene Pene emphasized the public interest of the case, stating that Rasova should be present for the court’s ruling.
Rasova’s attorney, Tomasi Tuitoga, counters that the travel is crucial for Rasova’s income and livelihood. He has indicated that Rasova plans to depart on January 27 and return on February 4. Meanwhile, the court has provisionally returned Rasova’s passport to enable his visa application while maintaining a stop departure order.
FICAC has until the end of business tomorrow to respond, after which the defense will have the opportunity to reply. Magistrate Low is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter next Monday, as both parties await a decisive resolution.
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