Former Fijian Ambassador to the United States of America and diplomat, Solo Naivakarurubalavu Mara, will be giving evidence in his case.

Mara’s lawyer Sharoneel Deo from R Patel Lawyers told the court that Mara would be the sole witness for the defence.

Mara appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili on Thursday. He is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with a count each of disobedience of lawful order and of giving false or misleading information.

Mara is alleged to have disobeyed lawful order of a search warrant issued by the court by refusing to comply with the warrant on January 24, 2020.

He is also alleged to have given information to a FICAC investigator namely Aporosa Vuinakelo, knowing the said information was false or misleading.

The case has been adjourned for defence hearing on May 5.

Bail for Mara has been extended by the Magistrates Court.

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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