Former MP Rasova to proceed to trial

Former Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) Member of Parliament Simione Rasova will proceed to trial after the court ruled that there was a case to answer.

Rasova, who faces one count of falsifying documents submitted to the Secretary-General to Parliament and one count of obtaining a financial advantage, appeared before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa today for a ruling that had been pending for almost two years.

It is alleged that between July 2019 and April 2020, Rasova falsely stated his permanent residence was in Nasenivolau, Nabouwalu Village, Ono, Kadavu, and obtained $21,350 in allowances.

Magistrate Daurewa delivered the ruling on behalf of Magistrate Pulekeria Low, who previously had conduct of the matter.

In his decision, Magistrate Daurewa said there was admissible evidence implicating Rasova in relation to the elements of the charges. The prosecution bears the burden of proving six elements for the first count and four elements for the second count.

The court heard that the Secretary to Parliament approved subsistence and travelling allowances to Nabouwalu, Ono, Kadavu, based on information provided by Rasova, when he was allegedly residing at Waimanu Road in Suva.

The court said the prosecution case, if accepted, could result in a conviction.

Following the ruling, defence counsel Tomasi Tuitoga sought four weeks to review the decision and determine whether to appeal.

Tuitoga told the court he also needed time to examine the case file, as the trial had initially been handled by Rasova’s former lawyer, Barbara Malimali, before her appointment as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Magistrate Daurewa confirmed he would now preside over the matter. The court granted the defence time to review the file and decide whether to proceed before the current court or seek to start afresh.

The matter has been adjourned to March 24.