Suva lawyer Barbara Malimali has announced plans to contest a charge against her client, Tanya Waqanika, in the High Court after Waqanika appeared at the Suva Magistrates Court. Waqanika faces a charge of publicly opposing a political party, specifically for comments alleged to have been made on her Facebook page regarding the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) on April 19 of last year.
As a board member of Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji, Waqanika’s statements have drawn legal scrutiny. During the court hearing, counsel from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) reported that they have completed the first phase of disclosures and require additional time to serve the second phase.
Waqanika has been granted release on a bail bond of $2,500, with two sureties backing her. Court conditions stipulate that she must refrain from reoffending and must not change her residential address. The case has been set for its next hearing on January 26.
If convicted, Waqanika could face severe penalties, including a fine of up to $10,000, a maximum of five years in prison, or both. This ongoing situation highlights the broader issues surrounding political expression and the legal implications of public commentary in Fiji.