Ruling delayed in Kamikamica bid to stop case

The High Court in Suva has pushed back its decision on an application by former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica to stop his criminal case.

He appeared before Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull on Friday where it was expected to give his ruling. Thus, Justice Bull informed the court that she needs more time to complete her judgment.

Mr Kamikamica is facing charges of perjury and giving false information.

His legal team argues that the case should not continue because the Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was not properly appointed.

They claim this means the commissioner had no legal authority to approve the charges.

This case is part of a number of similar applications currently before Justice Bull. All are questioning whether prosecutions approved by the Acting FICAC Commissioner are valid.

The High Court is also expected to give rulings in two related matters soon.

A decision in the case involving former Deputy Prime Minister and National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad is set for May 1, while a ruling for lawyer Tanya Waqanika is scheduled for May 6.

Prasad and Waqanika are seeking to have their cases permanently stopped, raising similar concerns about the legality of the Acting FICAC Commissioner’s appointment and authority.

The outcomes of these cases are expected to have a major impact on several ongoing corruption-related prosecutions.

The decision will now be delivered on May 5.