Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika will challenge the charge laid against her by FICAC in the High Court in Suva.
Her lawyer Barbara Malimali made the confirmation during her client’s first appearance before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza yesterday.
Ms Waqanika is facing a count of publicly indicating opposition to a political party, contrary to section 14 (7) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, read with Section 14 (1) (d).
FICAC alleges that on April 19 last year, Ms Waqanika, being a public official, namely a board member of Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Ltd respectively, publicly indicated opposition to SODELPA by posting opposing comments about the party on her Facebook post.
Ms Malimali said a stay application would be filed.
Ms Waqanika was released on strict and standard bail conditions.
Prosecutor Joseph Works said FICAC would not be requesting a stop-departure order.
The case has been adjourned to January 26 next year.
