NFP Leader Biman Prasad Charged, On Bail

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has charged National Federation Party (NFP) leader, Biman Prasad, in accordance with Section 213 of the Crimes Act.

Prasad was charged yesterday with two counts of indecently insulting or annoying a person.

He has been bailed and summoned to appear for his first court appearance on November 15.

Commissioner of Police, Brigidier-General Sitiveni Qiliho, said after having received a complaint, a thorough investigation was conducted and finalised earlier this week.

“This morning, Professor Prasad was brought into CID for question- ing, in the presence of his legal representative and chose to remain silent. He was subsequently

charged,” Brigadier-General Qiliho said.

“The evidence gathered in this matter is similar to a case involving a high profile member of the com- munity who was recently found guilty in a court of law.”

He said the Fiji Police Force was an independent body, vested with the responsibility of conducting investigations following the receipt of complaints. It has the powers to lay charges in accordance with the evidence gathered.

He also said the Fiji Police Force would not be making any further comments regarding this matter because it was now before the courts.

NFP Statement

NFP’s general secretary, Seini Nabou, in a statement issued last night, said Prasad had been charged with two counts of “insulting the modesty of a person”.

She said the charges read to him were as follows:

• “Contrary to Section 213(1) (a) of the Crimes Act 2009, in that you on the 22nd day of July 2022 at the National Federation Party office, Suva, in the Central Division, hugged Ari Taniguchi and kissed her on the cheek in which you insulted the modesty of the said Ari Taniguichi”.
• “Contrary to Section 213(1)(a) of the Crimes Act 2009, in that you on the 12th day of August 2022 at the National Federation Party office, Suva in the Central Division, hugged Ari Taniguchi and kissed her on the cheek in which you insulted the modesty of the said Ari Taniguchi”.

She also stated that they were limited by law on what further information they could provide to the public at this point.

Story by: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj