Former Fiji PM charged with corruption

Former Fiji prime minister Laisenia Qarase, who was ousted in a military coup in December 2006, has been charged with corruption and released on bail.

Qarase appeared in court charged with three counts of abuse of office and one of failing to declare his interest when his family company bought shares in Fijian Holdings Ltd.

The abuse of office charges were linked to Qarase’s terms as a director of Fijian Holdings Ltd, a member of the Fijian Affairs Board and adviser to the Great Council of Chiefs between November 1991 and February 1995.

Qarase pleaded not guilty to all four counts before magistrate Aruna Prasad.

He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the charges.