The trial of former FijiFirst Member of Parliament, Vijendra Prakash did not continue yesterday.

This is after his lawyer, Siddharth Nandan told the court that Prakash was sick and was due for a review.

Prakash is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count each of false information to a public servant and obtaining financial advantage.

He is alleged to have obtained financial advantages in breach of the Parliamentary Remunerations Act of 2014. Prakash is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Waidracia, Vunidawa, Nabuni, Naluwai, Naitasiri, and allegedly obtained $33,670 between August 2019 and March 2020.

The trial is presided over by the Anti-Corruption High Court Judge Justice Dr Thushara Kumarage.

Mr Nandan told the court that Prakash was suffering from respiratory infection and was taken to the hospital on Tuesday evening.

He said Prakash also developed severe back pain and was due for a review on Wednesday afternoon.

FICAC Commissioner Rashmi Aslam did not object to this and said the situation was unfortunate.

Justice Dr Kumarage said with the accused’s health conditions, the court was okay to continue the trial from Thursday.

The trial will continue today.

Story by: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj