Kamikamica trial moves to no-case bid after prosecution closes

The perjury trial of former Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has reached a critical juncture, with the prosecution closing its case before the Suva Magistrates Court.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) presented two witnesses before concluding its presentation. The second witness, former Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Ravu, testified about diary entries he made detailing conversations related to his own abuse of office case. Ravu was questioned by FICAC lawyer Josann Pene regarding these entries, specifically those dated July 8 and August 5.

During his testimony, Ravu declined to name individuals he referred to in his diary, citing them as former Cabinet colleagues. He stated that Kamikamica had inquired about his case on July 8, and both Kamikamica and former Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad had done the same on August 5. Ravu also testified that Kamikamica had informed him of Barbara Malimali's impending appointment as FICAC Commissioner.

Following the prosecution's closure, defense lawyer Wylie Clarke informed the court that the defense would file a "no case to answer" application. The matter is scheduled to return to court for submissions on whether the case should proceed further.