Defence weighs challenge in Rasova case

The legal foundations of corruption charges against former parliamentarian Simione Rasova are now under scrutiny.

His defence signalled a possible challenge that could determine whether the case proceeds to trial.

Defence lawyer Ruth Fa sought a short adjournment today in the Suva Magistrate Court, telling the court that the defence required time to review the case and decide its position under Section 139 of the Crimes Act, which governs offences involving dishonesty and deception.

Rasova, who appeared before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa, is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption with two counts of providing false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining a financial advantage.

It is alleged that between July 2019 and April 2020, Rasova falsely declared his place of residence and unlawfully received $21,350 in parliamentary allowances.

The court was told the defence must determine whether to legally challenge the charges themselves or argue that the prosecution evidence is insufficient for the matter to proceed beyond the preliminary stage.

Magistrate Daurewa granted the defence 14 days to finalise its position and directed both the prosecution and defence to file written submissions outlining their legal arguments.

The submissions are expected to address whether the matter should proceed to trial or whether threshold legal issues, including the strength of the evidence or validity of the charges, should be determined first.

Rasova’s bail was extended, and the matter has been adjourned to June 8.