14 Jul 2018

Fiji's Rabuka charged with breaching bail

10:19 am on 14 July 2018

The leader of Fiji opposition party, SOLDELPA, Sitiveni Rabuka has been released on bail after an appearance at the Magistrates Court today on a charge of breaching bail.

Fiji SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka

Fiji SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka Photo: AFP

Mr Rabuka was charged last month by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count of providing a false declaration of his assets, income and liabilities.

He was summoned by FICAC on Thursday and appeared in the Magistrates Court today.

Mr Rabuka was alleged by FICAC to have approached and interfered with a witness connected with his case, which contravened a condition imposed by the court in his original bail decision.

He pleaded not guilty to the latest charge of bail breach.

When he was summoned, the former prime minister was forced to cancel a series of community meetings in Fiji's north.

Mr Rabuka is preparing to stand in the country's general election due later this year, and is considered a key opponent of Fiji's prime minister Frank Bainimarama.