FORMER parliamentarian Simione Rasova is seeking a new lawyer after Barbara Malimali decided not to proceed with his criminal case.
This was confirmed by lawyer Tomasi Tuitoga who conferred with Ms Malimali when the matter was called before Magistrate Joseph Daurewa in the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
Mr Tuitoga has sought one month for Mr Rasova to engage a new lawyer to handle his case.
Last month, the court found that Mr Rasova had a case to answer on two counts of providing false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining a financial advantage.
He is accused of falsely stating his permanent place of residence and collected $21,350 between July 2019 and April of 2020, allowances he was not entitled to.
The court was also informed that Mr Rasova has filed a petition to appeal against the “case to answer” ruling.
Defence was given one month following the ruling to decide whether to proceed with the trial, where evidence had already been heard, or to elect for a trial de novo (a fresh trial).
Mr Rasova and his new lawyer will confirm their position when the case is recalled on April 24.
