FORMER minister for fisheries and forests Kalaveti Ravu yesterday sought the court’s approval to go overseas as he was among six parliamentarians travelling to China next month.
His lawyer, Lavi Rokoika told Magistrate Jeremaia Savou that Mr Ravu would be attending a seminar in China from October 22 to 31.
Ms Rokoika said her client had not submitted his biodata details for the processing of his travel arrangements since his passport was in the custody of the court.
Mr Savou allowed Mr Ravu’s biodata to be photocopied and released before close of business yesterday while FICAC was given 14 days to respond to the defence’s application for the release of the former minister’s travel documents.
Meanwhile, Mr Ravu’s co-accused Tekata Toaisi, the regional manager North for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, failed to make an appearance in court.
His lawyer, Joji Cakau, informed the Suva Magistrate’s Court that Mr Toaisi had noted the wrong date of proceedings and promised his client would appear on the next date.
Mr Savou fixed the trial date for February 3 to 7 next year.
Mr Ravu is accused of interfering in the lawful process of a ministerial investigation into the suspected illegal trade of a banned species of beche-de-mer.
Mr Toaisi is charged for aiding the former minister in the commission of that act between July and August last year.
The duo will re-appear on October 3.
