Former Fijian Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica Granted Bail in Corruption Case

A former deputy prime minister of Fiji, Manoa Kamikamica, has been granted bail following his arraignment on corruption-related charges. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has charged Kamikamica with perjury and providing false information to a public servant. His bail was approved by a magistrates’ court in Suva on November 24, 2023.

Kamikamica, a significant member of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka‘s administration, resigned from his cabinet posts just before his initial court appearance last Tuesday. He was on official duties abroad at the time. Kamikamica expressed his intent to focus on clearing his name amidst the ongoing legal challenges he faces.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Rabuka acknowledged Kamikamica’s resignation and reiterated that he remains committed to the government and the people of Fiji.

During the court proceedings, Kamikamica was granted bail with a bond set at FJ$10,000. Alongside the bond, he was required to provide two sureties and promised not to reoffend. FICAC objected to the defense team’s request to dispense with bail, citing the Bail Act, which stipulates that dispensation only applies when the offense does not carry a term of imprisonment.

Kamikamica’s attorney informed the court of plans to apply for a permanent stay in the High Court. The defense requested a period of 28 days to prepare this application, and the court has scheduled the next mention for November 28, 2023.

As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of this case on both Kamikamica’s political career and the broader landscape of governance in Fiji remain to be seen.