State moves to withdraw former Corrections Commissioner charge

A criminal intimidation charge against former Fiji Corrections Commissioner Sevuloni Naucukidi is expected to be withdrawn after the State indicated its intention in the Suva Magistrate Court.

State prosecutor Sadaf Shameem told the court that the complainant had approached the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions seeking reconciliation with the accused.

Defence lawyer Barbara Malimali said the matter had been set for hearing, but the State had taken a proactive approach and would proceed with withdrawing the charge.

Ms Malimali said the defence had earlier made submissions requesting the withdrawal and welcomed the development.

She added that a formal application for withdrawal was expected to be filed later today. The case was adjourned to tomorrow for further submissions.

The court will then determine under which provision of Section 169 the withdrawal will be made.

However, Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne said the matter was not a reconciliation case.

Naucukidi is accused of one count of criminal intimidation.