Lawyers seek more details in FBC vehicle case

Lawyers representing former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) chief executive officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and chief financial officer Vimlesh Sagar are seeking further details from prosecutors, arguing that key information needed to understand the allegations has not yet been disclosed.

The two appeared before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa in the Suva Magistrates' Court this morning over charges relating to the tender and procurement of a 3.0-litre Volkswagen Touareg valued at $207,470.

Sayed-Khaiyum's lawyer, Gul Fatima, raised concerns over disclosures provided by the State, saying information requested by the defence remained outstanding.

Ms Fatima told the court the defence had recently received a response to representations submitted in November last year but described the two-page reply as inadequate.

She said the response referred the defence to documents that had already been disclosed and did not address requests for additional information needed to understand the allegations and prepare their case.

A key issue raised by the defence relates to the charge alleging financial loss, with counsel arguing that prosecutors have yet to provide documents showing how the alleged loss was calculated.

Sagar's lawyer, Ritesh Singh, said he required more specific information to understand the alleged $84,000 loss.

Mr Singh said decisions relating to the sale of the vehicle were made by the FBC board and maintained that all relevant documents should be disclosed to the defence.

FICAC lawyer Josann Pene argued that the issues raised by the defence were matters for trial and said the prosecution would await the defence's letter before responding.

The matter has been adjourned to July 9 for further mention and pre-trial discussions.