Veronica Malani is seeking over $800 million in compensation from 11 individuals involved in the investigation of the alleged 1987 bombing case in 2020.
The defendants include:
– 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, 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, Esili Nadolo,
– Former Police Inspector and team member of the 1987 bombing investigation, Rupeni Taoka,
– Former Police officer, Makelesi Ranadi.
The case was called before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva on Wednesday for the first hearing.
Malani is accusing them of misfeasance, willful police misconduct, abuse of office, and discrimination. She alleges 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 claimed that the police announced 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 review the request.