Fiji's former PM discharged in corruption case

Fiji's former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase was discharged Wednesday in relation to the Native Land Trust Board case after the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) filed a nolle prosequi in court, which means the commission does not want to take the case any further. Qarase, who was charged with two counts of abuse of office, appeared in court before High Court Judge Justice Janaka Bandara on Wednesday. FICAC lawyer Vincent Parera only said in court that FICAC had decided to enter a nolle prosequi. Justice Bandara then discharged Qarase and his passport has also been returned to him. Qarase told the Fijivillage news website that he and his wife are ready to have a big celebration as he is a happy man after the court case. In April, tears were shed and emotions were high as Qarase was reunited with his wife and two grandchildren at their home in Suva when he was released from prison after serving eight months of his 12-month jail term for an abuse of office charge.