THE Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday ruled that 10 individuals who were charged by the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission for receiving payments in relation to the Lagilagi Housing project had no case to answer.
Semeti Qalowasa, Chantelle Khan, Suliana Siwatibau, Samuela Saumatua, Mere Krishna, Vijay Naidu, Akuila Yabaki, late Kevin Barr, Cama Raimuria and Aisake Casimira were acquitted by magistrate Jeremaia Savou.
“Prosecution at this stage must show that there is relevant and admissible evidence implicating the accused persons in respect of each element of the charged offences and that the same has not been discredited to a degree that no reasonable tribunal could convict,” said Mr Savou.
The court noted Kevin Barr was deceased and charges against Mr Cama raimuria were withdrawn.
“Existing case law has firmly established that the test at this stage is an objective one in so far as it relates to the evidence produced by prosecution in support of the charge and in regard to its sufficiency to convict as it would appear to a reasonable tribunal in conduct of the matter.
“Prosecution offered no evidence.”
