Fiji
The Suva High Court has scheduled the trial for former Health Minister Dr. Neil Sharma, former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. The trial is set to run from March 2 to March 27, 2026, following delays attributed to additional disclosures from the State.
The charges against the accused include multiple counts of abuse of office and breach of trust. Specifically, Dr. Sharma faces two counts of abuse of office and two counts of breach of trust by a public servant. Mr. Bainimarama is charged with one count of abuse of office, while Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office and one count of obstructing the course of justice.
These charges relate to allegations that, in 2011, the accused failed to comply with statutory requirements under the 2010 Procurement Regulations during the awarding of tenders for medical equipment procurement by the Ministry of Health. The prosecution contends that this non-compliance led to significant irregularities in the procurement process.
During the recent court session, Justice Usaia Ratuvili addressed the issue of costs, following a request from Dr. Sharma's counsel for an order against the State due to late disclosures. Justice Ratuvili ruled that no costs would be awarded, stating that the State had met its disclosure obligations and accepting the reasons provided for the delay.
The court has adjourned the matter to February 3, 2026, for pre-trial issues. Bail for all three accused has been extended until the commencement of the trial.
This case has garnered significant public interest due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the serious nature of the allegations. The outcome of the trial could have substantial implications for government accountability and the enforcement of procurement regulations in Fiji.
As the trial date approaches, both the prosecution and defence are expected to prepare extensively, given the complexity and significance of the case. The public and media will be closely monitoring developments, anticipating a thorough examination of the charges and the evidence presented.
