Former Fiji Prime Minister jailed

Former Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has been sent to jail for one year after being found guilty of corruption, says a media report.

The judgement has been given by a Sri Lankan judge Priyantha Fernando, who now serves in Fiji High Court.

Judge Fernando has said the Former Fiji Prime Minister has breached the public trust and must serve a custodial sentence.

Qarase, who was democratically elected as the Fiji’s Prime Minister in 2000 was ousted in a military coup six years later.

He was convicted on nine charges of abuse of office and failing to discharge his duty when he was a public servant in the 1990s.

Prosecutors have said the Prime Minister has put the interests of his family and home village before the public, during his stint as a director of a government investment company during the time of 1992 – 1995.

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