Court extends bail for MPs

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Picture: SUPPLIED.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will make an application to have the matter involving six SODELPA parliamentarians and a former government member of Parliament to be heard before the High Court in Suva.

Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Salote Radrodro, Vijendra Prakash, Simione Rasova, Nikolau Nawaikula, Peceli Vosanibola and Adi Litia Qionibaravi appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili yesterday.

They were alleged to have obtained financial advantages amounting to $186,749.20 which was in breach of the Parliamentary Remunerations Act of 2014.

It is alleged that the offences took place between August 2019 and April 2020.

FICAC had charged them with one count each of giving false information to public servant and obtaining financial advantage.

All six SODELPA MPs pleaded not guilty to the charges while the defence for Mr Prakash sought time to advice his client on his plea.

FICAC sought seven days’ time to file a proper formal application to have the matter transferred to the High Court.

According to FICAC, the MPs were alleged to have provided false information to the acting secretary general to Parliament regarding their permanent place of residence in order to have their allowance claims approved.

The seven accused had their bail extended.

The matter has been adjourned to February 9.

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