The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is contemplating a Supreme Court appeal following the Fiji Court of Appeal’s recent decision to overturn the drugs-related conviction of Fiji-Canadian national Joshua Aziz Rahman. In a statement released yesterday, the ODPP indicated that it is currently reviewing the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which not only quashed Rahman’s conviction but also set aside his sentence and called for a retrial.
Rahman was originally charged with the unlawful possession of 39.5 kilograms of cocaine, which was discovered in his Caubati home in Nasinu in 2019. At the time of the police search, the drugs were located in his father’s bedroom, who was abroad. In 2021, Rahman was convicted in the High Court and sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 14 years.
The ODPP has urged the public to engage in discussions surrounding court decisions, but cautioned against making unwarranted comments or personal attacks directed at the judiciary while the case remains active. The office emphasized the importance of allowing the criminal justice system to operate according to the law and ensure due process is upheld.
This development reflects ongoing discussions about the legal processes in Fiji and highlights the importance of a fair judicial system. As the ODPP considers its next steps, hope remains that all parties involved can find resolution through the legal avenues available.