It is a wait and see situation at the moment on whether Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry will pay his $2 million fine to the High Court by the deadline on Monday.
Chaudhry’s lawyer, Anand Singh said he believes that Chaudhry will pay the fine and abide by all the orders of the court.
He also said the application for an interim stay on the sentence is also fixed for hearing on Monday.
Chaudhry wants a stay on the sentencing as he wants to appeal his conviction and sentence.
When questioned by Fijivillage on whether he will pay the $2 million fine by Monday, Chaudhry did not want to reveal his decision just as yet.
Chaudhry was fined $2 million by High Court Judge Justice Paul Madigan on the 2nd of May.
The judge ordered that he has to pay the fine by the 30th of June this year.
Justice Madigan has ruled that failure to pay the fine will result in Chaudhry serving 15 months in prison.
He has to serve a minimum term of 12 months in jail.
Chaudhry’s conviction has also been recorded which means that he is ineligible to contest the 2014 general election.
Mahendra Chaudhry also has to comply with the Exchange Control Act by the 31st of July this year which means that he needs to repatriate the 1.5 million Australian dollars held in Australia.
Failure to do so will make him liable to prosecution for continuing breach of the Exchange Control Act.
Chaudhry cannot travel outside Fiji until he complies with the court’s order.
We also questioned Chaudhry on what is his game plan for the Fiji Labour Party as he cannot contest the election due to his conviction.
Chaudhry’s name has been announced as a proposed candidate for the Fiji Labour Party for the September 17th polls and he confirmed that he will nominate his name for the election despite his conviction.
He said any other decisions will be revealed later.
