Supporters of Fiji's Sitiveni Rabuka gathered in a Suva courtroom today at the start of proceedings brought against the political party leader.
Fijian politician Sitiveni Rabuka arrives at court in Suva, Fiji, 15 Oct 2018 Photo: RNZ
A month before the country goes to the polls, the leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) is on trial charged with falsely declaring his assets and liabilities to Fiji's Supervisor of Elections and for breaching bail conditions.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa adjourned proceedings for the trial proper to begin tomorrow.
The defence senior counsel, Ian Lloyd QC, had made a request to the prosecution, Fiji's Independent Commission Against Corruption, to provide him with the witness statements by 2 o'clock this afternoon.
Mr Lloyd, a former Fiji Court of Appeal Judge, also informed the court he would indicate tomorrow how many witnesses he planned to cross examine.
Many SODELPA supporters, including the Leader of Opposition in Parliament for the last parliamentary term, Ro Teimumu Kepa, were present to support Mr Rabuka.
The court room was filled to capacity and court staff had to provide extra seating for those who were present for the 10 minute hearing.
Court proceedings resume at 10.30am tomorrow.
