Alleged confession emerges in Tanya Waqanika case

An alleged confession made during a caution interview has emerged as a key issue in the Political Parties Act case against prominent Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika.

The issue was raised yesterday in the Suva Magistrate Court during a pre-trial conference in open court .

Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) lawyer Joseph Work informed the court of the alleged confession.

However, defence counsel Barbara Malimali clarified the defence was not disputing the caution interview and said the alleged confession related to admissions concerning board membership.

The defence also sought additional time to review proposed agreed facts and agreed documents filed by the prosecution.

Ms Malimali said the materials had only been emailed by FICAC on Tuesday night.

The matter appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad for a pre-trial conference.

Waqanika is charged with publicly opposing SODELPA on Facebook on April 19, 2024, while serving as a board member of Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Limited, allegedly breaching the Political Parties Act.

The matter has been adjourned to June 16 for mention and further pre-trial conference, where a trial date is expected to be set.

Waqanika’s bail has been extended.