Veronica Malani is seeking over $800 million in compensation from 11 individuals involved in the 2020 investigation of an alleged bombing case from 1987.
The defendants in this civil case include members of the Fiji Police Force and the Director of Public Prosecutions, specifically:
– Fiji Police Commissioner,
– Suspended Director of Public Prosecution, 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 initially brought before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva on Wednesday.
Malani is accusing them of misfeasance, willful police misconduct, abuse of office, and discrimination. She alleges that the police failed to conduct a thorough, fair, unbiased, and comprehensive inquiry during the investigation, even though they had four credible witnesses. Malani further claims the police declared there was insufficient evidence and did not interview the suspect at the time, Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum.
During the court proceedings, Ms. Malani, who represented herself, requested more time to find a lawyer as she was the one who filed the case. With no objections from the defense, Justice Ratuvili adjourned the matter to August 7 to follow up on this request.