Former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase's four week Fijian Holdings trial is set to get underway from this Thursday.
Qoriniasi Bale has withdrawn as Qarase's lawyer and his new legal counsel is Suva lawyer, Tupou Draunidalo.
She will be assisted by Samanunu Vaniqi.
Following Bale's formal withdrawal from the case, Draunidalo made an application seeking an adjournment of the trial.
She asked for a 2 week adjournment saying she needs to prepare well for the trial and to ensure that Qarase has a fair trial.
FICAC's Senior Counsel, Michael Blanchflower opposed the application for the two week adjournment saying sufficient time has been given to Qarase.
Presiding Judge, Justice Priyantha Fernando has given two days to Draunidalo and has set the trial to start this Thursday.
Meanwhile FICAC is represented by two Hong Kong based Senior Counsels, Michael Blanchflower and Elizabeth Yang.
This is Qarase's first case in relation to Fijian Holdings Limited where it is alleged that he facilitated and allowed the purchase of Class A FHL shares for certain companies when he was Director of FHL, Financial Advisor of the Fijian Affairs Board and Advisor to the Great Council of Chiefs.
The case relates to the allotment and issuance of the FHL shares to Cicia Plantation Co-op Society Limited, Mavana Investments Limited and a family owned company named Q-Ten Investments Limited.
Story by: Vijay Narayan and Tokasa Rainima
