Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has hired Queens Counsel, Peter Williams to represent him in his case of alleged money laundering, tax evasion and not declaring foreign currency.

While, filing submissions on the application for recusal of the presiding Judge Justice Daniel Gounder, QC Peter Williams, highlighted why his client would prefer an overseas judge to preside over the case.

He added that Chaudhry is a famous Fijian politician and a political overturn is a possibility.

Williams highlighted political events in the country between 2000 and 2006 where Chaudhry became Prime Minister, he was removed from power in May 2000, he was held hostage and suffered horrifying effects from brutality.

Williams also said that Chaudhry was invited to become Finance Minister in the current Government and later resigned in 2008.

Williams said in March 2008 an independent inquiry was carried out against Chaudhry however he was found clean of all allegations.

Williams also brought in a text book on Judicial Recusal, published in 2009 in New Zealand.

Judge Goundar will be given the book to study and will later return it to the defense.

Williams also highlighted the fact that Judge Gounder and DPP Aca Rayawa worked together at the DPP's office.

However, DPP lawyer Seini Puamau while giving her submissions highlighted that they have spoken to a QC to represent them when the trial proper begins.

Puamau said DPP Aca Rayawa is only preparing for the trial.

She highlighted that there is no basis for the application.
 
Judge Goundar also highlighted that the case is before him which does not mean that he will be the presiding judge.

He told the defense counsel that there would be no problems in him taking a plea as he won=t be making any decisions.

He added the matter is not ready for trial.

The Defense Counsel also agreed.

Justice Gounder will rule on the matter on 15th of October after
carefully considering both the DPP and defence submissions.

Chaudhry is charged with 12 counts of alleged money laundering, tax evasion and not declaring foreign currency.

It is alleged that Chaudhry between 1st November 2000 to 23rd July this year failed to follow procedures when investing in certain institutions overseas, also not declaring that he had Australian currency with him and also allegedly giving false statements in his tax return forms.

The amount involved in the case is $1.5 million Australian.


Story by: Ronald Deo