27 Aug 2008

Ousted Fiij PM in court but case deferred

1:21 pm on 27 August 2008

Fiji's ousted prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, has been before Magistrate Amani Rokotuinaviti in a case brought by the new Fiji anti-corruption authority.

The authority has accused him of abuse of office.

But its lawyer asked for the case to be adjourned so that its file can be forwarded to the public prosecutor whose office is the only one empowered to lay charges.

Mr Qarase's lawyer, Penina Salele, says she has received instructions to file for a discharge.

The case has been adjourned to September the 24th for mention.