Former parliamentarian Simione Rasova has received permission to travel to Australia to participate in the Liberal Party’s Campaign Summer School and International Programme, despite opposition from the prosecution. Mr. Rasova is set to leave for Canberra today, January 27, and will be in attendance until February 4, representing his role as the General Secretary of SODELPA.
Magistrate Pulekeria Low stated that the public interest could still be protected through strict bail conditions, underscoring that Mr. Rasova remains innocent until proven guilty, as dictated by the Constitution.
Mr. Rasova faces allegations of providing a false declaration regarding his permanent place of residence, which led to him receiving $21,350 in allowances that prosecutors argue he was not entitled to between July 2019 and April 2020. His substantive matter is scheduled for a hearing on February 9, where the judicial process will continue to unfold.
This development reflects a judicial system that balances the rights of the individual with public transparency, allowing Mr. Rasova to engage internationally while his legal matters are still pending.