Former Fiji PM faces fresh corruption charges

14/05/2008 08:36:00

Fiji's ousted prime minister Laisenia Qarase has faced court again on new corruption charges.

Radio Australia's correspondent in Suva, Samisoni Pareti, says that in court Mr Qarase denied one charge of abusing his office as minister of Fijian affairs and prime minister.

The charge relates to a decision his cabinet made in May 2004 in which land rental funds were directed to a new investment company of the country's public land rental agency, called the Native Land Trust Board.

Mr Qarase has been granted bail and the case will be called again on June 23.

The former leader had complained about the latest charges, and has accused the military-backed regime of picking on him personally.

He also claims the regime is bent on criminalising lawfully implemented decisions of his government.

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