THE trial of former deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica will proceed today after the Suva Magistrate’s Court granted the State’s application to amend the charges and provide additional disclosures.
Prosecutor Josann Pene told the court yesterday that fresh information had come to the prosecution’s attention, prompting the amended charges.
Defence lawyer Wylie Clarke objected, arguing that they had only been notified of the amendments that morning and was prepared to proceed on the original charge.
According to the amended charges, Mr Kamikamica is charged with one count of perjury for allegedly stating under oath during the Commission of Inquiry that he had no knowledge of the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali before her appointment on September 5, 2024.
Alternatively, he faces one count of providing false information to a public servant for allegedly giving the same false information to the COI.
Ms Pene sought 14 days to serve additional disclosures; however, Mr Clarke responded that the nature of the amended charge was not substantially different from the original charge and indicated a willingness to proceed.
Trial commences at 10.30 am
