ODPP considering Supreme Court appeal in Rahman case

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is reviewing the Court of Appeal decision to quash the conviction and set aside the sentence of Fiji-Canadian national Joshua Aziz Rahman.

Rahman was charged with the unlawful possession of 39.5 kilograms of cocaine, which were discovered at his Caubati home in 2019.

The drugs were found in his father’s bedroom, while his father was overseas at the time of the search.

Rahman was convicted and sentenced to 23 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 14 years.

He later appealed both his conviction and sentence.

Although the conviction has been quashed, the Court of Appeal has ordered a retrial to be set at the earliest opportunity.

The ODPP said it was carefully considering the decision and was exploring the possibility of appealing the ruling to the Supreme Court.

The office also reminded the public that while people were entitled to debate court decisions, they should refrain from making unnecessary comments or personal attacks on the judiciary while the matter remained before the courts.

The ODPP said it was important that the criminal justice system be allowed to proceed according to the law and due process.