Clarke moves to file no case to answer bid in Kamikamica trial

Senior lawyer Wylie Clarke today moved to file a no case to answer application on behalf of former deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica after the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) closed its case in the perjury trial.

The application was made known after the prosecution called its second and final witness, Government MP Kalaveti Ravu.

Earlier today, Mr Ravu refused to identify fellow Government MPs who allegedly discussed his 2024 FICAC case with him while giving evidence in the Suva Magistrates Court.

FICAC lawyer Jossene Pene questioned Mr Ravu about which parliamentarians had approached him regarding his FICAC case after claims that Mr Kamikamica was allegedly one of them.

Mr Ravu declined to reveal the names of the MPs despite being asked twice in court.

Following Mr Ravu's evidence, Mr Clarke did not cross-examine the witness.

The court will now determine whether the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence for Mr Kamikamica to be called to present a defence.

Mr Kamikamica is charged with one count of perjury under Section 176(1) of the Crimes Act 2009, with an alternative charge of providing false information to a public servant under Section 201(a) of the Act.

The charges stem from evidence he gave under oath before the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali. The State alleges Mr Kamikamica falsely stated that he had no knowledge of Ms Malimali's appointment before it was announced on September 5, 2024.