FICAC today asked the High Court to adjourn former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and former CEO of Fijian Holdings Sitiveni Weleilakeba's case as they want to amend their charge with other accused persons.
FICAC had earlier made an application to consolidate charges against Qarase and Weleilakeba where FICAC had earlier told the Suva High Court that FICAC has evidence to show that Qarase had been paid Class A dividends from Fijian Holdings Limited.
Qarase and Weleilakeba were charged for the same offence of Conspiracy to effect an Unlawful purpose that is to contravene the provisions of the Companies Act.
However today FICAC Lawyer Madhvan Tenakoon told Judge Justice Daniel Gounder that they now want to amend the previous application as their investigations have shown that more people are linked to the same case, and they are now seeking to consolidate the same charge with the other persons to have one trial.
Qarase's Lawyer Qoriniasi Bale had no objection to the application, however asked the court to consider excusing his client and Weleilakeba from being present until the case is set for hearing, especially since Weleilakeba has to travel from Papua New Guinea to be present every time the case is called.
Weleilakeba's lawyer Caesar Lateef also had no objections to the application, and also asked Judge Gounder to excuse his client from being present until the case is set for hearing.
Judge Gounder agreed to the defense counsel's request and excused Qarase and Weleilakeba from the next court sitting where FICAC is expected to file an application to consolidate charges with more accused persons.
The case has been adjourned to the 4th of June.
