22 Jul 2009

Fiji court confirms Qarase travel ban over corruption charge

3:18 pm on 22 July 2009

The Fiji High Court judge, Justice Daniel Gounder, has refused an application from the ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, seeking permission to travel overseas.

The ousted Prime Minister had applied for a change to his bail conditions in relation to charges connected to the use of trust fund money.

The anti-corruption agency says Mr Qarase wanted to travel to Australia, the US, Britain, New Zealand and Solomon Islands.

The High Court judge said Mr Qarase had not provided any details of his legal expenses after stating he intended to raise funds during his trip for his court case.

The judge also said that it was not unreasonable to restrict him from travelling overseas and that it does not breach his rights to liberty.

The case is expected to go to trial in January.