Fiji Former PM Rabuka granted bail

Fiji’s former Prime Minister and SODELPA Party leader Sitiveni Rabuka has been granted bail by the Suva Magistrate court.

Rabuka appeared in court late Friday.

Rabuka has been charged by Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption(FICAC) with one count of providing false declaration of Assets, Income and Liabilities to the Supervisor of Election.

The charges have been laid in contrary to Section 24 of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act of 2013.

Rabuka appeared before Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa at the Suva Magistrates.

Rabuka is alleged to have failed to provide information namely the tax liability with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service amounting to $316,956.20 (US$153,059), the investment and interest income of $200, 000 (US$100,000) and $16, 000 (US$7,726) respectively with Ragwhan Constructions Limited and the liability with RCL amounting to $120,000 (US$57,548).

Rabuka hasn’t been served his disclosures by FICAC however a disc containing his caution interview has been given to the Defense Counsels.

The prosecution did not object and informed the court they will be able to deliver the disclosures by next week Tuesday.

Defense counsel Filimoni Vosarogo requested the court to allow them two weeks to read the disclosures.

Rabuka has been granted bail for $300 (US$150) with two sureties.

He has surrendered his passport, told not to reoffend, issued a stop departure and told to report to the Nabua Police station on the first Saturday of every month.  He will take his plea on 06 June

SOURCE: PACNEWS/FBC NEWS