The Suva Magistrate Court has not yet confirmed the location for the trial of former Assistant Health Minister Alexander O’Connor. O’Connor appeared before Magistrate Pulekeria Low at the court, facing three counts of misusing state resources for campaign activities.
The allegations state that on November 23, 2022, while in public office, O’Connor conducted campaign activities and distributed FijiFirst candidate flyers at the Tukavesi Health Centre in Savusavu. During the court session, Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) lawyer Rajiv Pathak informed the court that the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) had been concluded and requested a date for the hearing.
Due to the case’s connection to Savusavu, there were discussions about where the trial should be held. Pathak contended that it is appropriate for the matter to be handled in Savusavu, while O’Connor’s defense lawyer, Matalita Koroibola, argued that PTCs should take place in Suva when the case was previously before Resident Magistrate Ms. Kiran.
Magistrate Low noted that only the Chief Magistrate has the authority to relocate the files related to the case. Both parties were instructed to file and serve the finalized Pre-Trial Conference minutes by the end of business yesterday.
The case has been postponed until October 17, when a mention will be held to establish a hearing date and confirm the trial venue. O’Connor remains out on bail.