Court Sets August Trial Dates for Biman Prasad Case

Former Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad is scheduled to stand trial in August after the Suva Magistrate Court allocated four days for the hearing. The trial dates are set from August 10 to August 14.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) alleges that on or about December 30, 2015, Professor Prasad, while serving as an office holder of the National Federation Party, failed to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd in his annual declaration of assets, liabilities, and income submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties. He is also charged with allegedly providing false information in a statutory declaration by omitting details of the directorship.

FICAC lawyer Joseph Work informed the court that the prosecution intends to call four witnesses during the trial. Both the prosecution and defense have agreed on several facts in the case. Defense lawyer Richard Naidu confirmed receipt of the finalised agreed facts and documents and advised the court that the defense is ready to proceed to trial.

A final pre-trial conference has been scheduled for July 17 before the trial begins.