Queens Counsel Ian Lloyd and Suva lawyer Devanesh Sharma have been confirmed as the two lawyers that will defend SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka.
Lloyd is based in Australia.
Rabuka's lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo told Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa this morning that Lloyd and Sharma would conduct the trial for the substantive matter for the defense.
Vosarogo also said that Lloyd would be available from the 15th to the 19th of October for the trial.
FICAC Senior Counsel Rashmi Aslam indicated to the court that they had no objections to the dates given by the defense.
Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa told the two counsels that he would be in Rotuma that week.
Vosarogo said they were at the mercy of the court for the dates that had been given.
He said that the Queens Counsel does not have any other dates available.
Both of Rabuka’s cases have been adjourned to next Monday.
Rabuka is charged by FICAC in relation to the declaration of his assets and liabilities as required under the Political Parties Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures Act.
It is alleged that Rabuka made a false declaration of assets and liabilities to the Supervisor of Elections by failing to provide information namely, the tax liability with Fiji Revenue and Customs Service in the amount of $316,956, the investment and interest income with Raghwan Construction Limited in the amount of $200,000 and $16,000 respectively and the liability with Raghwan Construction in the amount of $120,000, contrary to the Political Parties Act.
The alleged incident occurred on 29th of December last year.
In the second case, he was charged with allegedly breaching bail conditions in his case.
It is alleged that Rabuka spoke to a FICAC witness in the case.
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