LAWYER Tanya Waqanika has filed a second application in the High Court in Suva seeking to permanently halt criminal proceedings brought against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Her trial was scheduled to begin yesterday, but defence lawyer Barbara Malimali informed Magistrate Yogesh Prasad of the new application.
The application challenges FICAC’s authority to investigate and prosecute the matter under Section 2A(a)–(l) of the FICAC Act.
Magistrate Prasad vacated the week-long trial, with a new trial date to be fixed on November 2.
Ms Waqanika is charged with one count of publicly indicating opposition to a political party, contrary to Section 14(7) read with Section 14(1)(d) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013. It is alleged that on April 19, 2024, while serving as a public official on the boards of Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Ltd, she posted comments on Facebook indicating opposition to SODELPA.
Ms Waqanika’s first stay application was denied by Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull in the High Court in Suva on May 6. The Judge rejected the claim at that time that the charges against Ms Waqanika were not valid because the Acting Head of FICAC, Lavenia Rokoika had not been validly appointed.
