SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka, facing charges of providing false declaration of Assets, Income and Liabilities to the Supervisor of Election is engaging a Queens Counsel for his case.
The matter was adjourned to clarify issues in relation to voir dire grounds disclosures.
Defence Lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo informed Suva Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa that they will be engaging an overseas counsel for the next court date.
Vosarogo sought 14 days adjournment to carry out necessary paperwork.
He also informed the Court that he has spoken to FICAC lawyer Rashmi Aslam in relation to the three particular transaction in the charges.
Splitting charges
Aslam said they will consider splitting the charges into three different charges.
They requested for the hearing on the voir dire and substantive matter to be heard together.
The accusations
Rabuka was charged by FICAC under Section 24 of the Political Parties Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures Act of 2013.
It was alleged last year that Rabuka provided false declaration of assets and liabilities to the Supervisor of Elections by failing to provide information pertaining to the tax liability with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Services which amounted to over $316, 000.
He is also alleged to have failed to declare Investment and interest income from Raghwan Constructions Limited in the amount of $200,000 and $16,000 respectively and also a liability in the amount of $120,000.
The matter has been adjourned to August 13, 2018.
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Photo Caption:
Sitiveni Rabuka (From File)
