Waqanika denies charge over social media post

Prominent lawyer Tanya Waqanika has pleaded not guilty to a charge laid by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) over an alleged social media post.

Waqanika appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad today, where the court heard that the charge stems from a Facebook post dated April 19, 2024.

The charge is brought under Section 14(7) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.

It is alleged that while serving as a public officer and board member of Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Limited, Waqanika publicly expressed opposition to the Social Democratic Liberal Party.

Her lawyer, Samuela Savu, told the court that a stay application has been filed, with a ruling expected on or before May 6.

However, FICAC lawyer Joseph Work argued that the application does not affect the current proceedings and that the matter should continue before the Magistrates Court.

The case has been adjourned to May 27 for a pre-trial conference.