Manoa Kamikamica Photo: Facebook / Manoa Kamikamica
A former Fijian deputy prime minister facing alleged corruption-related charges has been granted bail by a magistrates' court in Suva.
Manoa Kamikamica has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with perjury and providing false information to a public servant.
Kamikamica, a key figure in Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's government, resigned from Cabinet and his ministerial portfolios on the eve of his initial court appearance last Tuesday, while he was still overseas on official duties.
He said he would focus on clearing his name.
"I have accepted his decision to step down, and he has assured me of his unwavering commitment to the government and the people of Fiji," Rabuka said in a statement on Tuesday.
Kamikamica appeared in court on Friday and was granted bail with a FJ$10,000 bond. He was also required to provide two sureties and not to reoffend.
His defence team sought that bail be dispensed with, but FICAC objected. The anti-corruption office said that under the Bail Act, dispensation only applies when the offence does not carry a term of imprisonment, the anti-corruption office said in a statement.
Kamikamica's lawyer also informed the court that the defence intends to file an application for a permanent stay in the High Court and requested 28 days before the next mention to prepare the application.
The case has been adjourned to 28 November for mention.
