Defence challenges secret recording in Naucukidi intimidation case

Lawyer Barbara Malimali has challenged the use of an audio recording that prosecutors plan to rely on in suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Sevuloni Naucukidi’s criminal intimidation case.

Appearing before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne yesterday, Ms Malimali argued that the recording should not be accepted as evidence because Naucukidi did not know he was being recorded, raising concerns about privacy and fairness.

Naucukidi is accused of threatening a member of his support staff in July 2025.

Ms Malimali said allowing secret recordings of private conversations could undermine public confidence and personal safety.

However, the prosecution maintained that it would rely on the recording during trial.

The court extended Naucukidi’s bail and set March 2 for a voir dire hearing to determine whether the recording can be admitted into evidence.

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