Veronica Malani is seeking over $800 million in compensation from 11 individuals involved in the 2020 investigation of the alleged 1987 bombing case.
The defendants in this civil matter include various members of the Fiji Police Force and the director of Public Prosecutions, namely:
– Fiji Police Commissioner
– Suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde
– Former Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu
– Former Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum
– Former Acting Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu
– Retired Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Crime, Biu Matavou
– Former DPP lawyer, Neelraj
– Former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director, Mesake Waqa
– Former Police Inspector and team leader of the 1987 bombing investigation team, Esili Nadolo
– Former Police Inspector and team member of the 1987 bombing investigation, Rupeni Taoka
– Former Police officer, Makelesi Ranadi
The matter was called before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva on Wednesday for the first hearing.
Malani is suing them for misfeasance, willful police misconduct, abuse of office, and discrimination. She claims that during the investigation, the police failed to conduct a thorough, fair, non-biased, non-discriminatory, and comprehensive inquiry, despite having four credible witnesses. She also alleged that the police declared there was insufficient evidence and failed to interview the suspect at the time, Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum.
During the court proceedings, Ms. Malani, who is representing herself, requested more time to find a lawyer since she was the one who filed the case in court. With no objections from the defense, Justice Ratuvili adjourned the matter to August 7 to allow Ms. Malani more time to secure legal representation.