Court Allows FICAC to Amend Charges Against Former Deputy PM Biman Prasad

The Magistrates' Court has allowed the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to amend the charges against former Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad. Magistrate Yogesh Prasad ruled that the amendment could proceed, emphasizing that Professor Prasad must be granted sufficient time to prepare his defense against the revised allegations.

FICAC had applied on August 7 to alter the charge under Section 182 of the Criminal Procedure Act. Professor Prasad's defense team had opposed the application, arguing that the proposed changes would fundamentally alter the legal foundation of the case and necessitate a different defense strategy. Magistrate Prasad acknowledged that the amendment indeed shifts the legal provisions relied upon by the prosecution, potentially impacting the defense's approach.

The court's decision means the trial, initially set for August 10, has been vacated. The case is scheduled to be called again at 2:30 p.m. today, when FICAC is expected to formally file the amended charge. Professor Prasad's counsel, Richard Naidu, indicated that his client might also enter his plea this afternoon.

Professor Prasad faces allegations stemming from his tenure as an officeholder of the National Federation Party. FICAC alleges that on December 30, 2015, he failed to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels and Resorts PTE Limited in his annual declaration of assets, liabilities, and income, as required by the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013. He is charged with one count of failing to comply with disclosure requirements, with an alternative charge of providing false information in a statutory declaration. The case will now proceed based on the amended charge.