Judge warns senior State prosecutor over social‑media posts on high‑profile case

The High Court in Suva has warned State prosecutors against commenting on a high‑profile case after the defence raised concerns about social‑media posts by a senior prosecutor.

Justice Usaia Ratuvili reminded the State to respect sub judice rules, even as he approved amendments to charges involving Voreqe Bainimarama, Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum, and Dr Neil Sharma.

The charges relate to the 2011 awarding of Ministry of Health tenders for medical equipment, allegedly favouring a company called Hospital Engineering & Consultancy Ltd (Hospineer).

Representing the accused trio in court this morning were defence lawyers Devanesh Sharma, Gul Fatima, Wylie Clarke, and Krisheel Chand, who appeared before Justice Ratuvili.

During the proceedings, the court approved the prosecution’s request to correct dates in the charges, ruling that the amendments would not unfairly prejudice the defence or disrupt preparation for trial.

However, the hearing took a pointed turn when Mr Sharma drew the court’s attention to public comments made on social media by a senior prosecutor.

In response, Justice Ratuvili reminded the State of its obligation to refrain from public commentary while the case is before the court.

He stressed the importance of upholding sub judice rules to safeguard the integrity of the trial.

With the amended charges now standing, the court adjourned the matter and confirmed that the trial will resume on March 2.