Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry’s application to stay or suspend his sentence was heard in court today.
He’s been fined $2 million and told to repatriate all his funds currently invested in Australia.
Chaudhry’s lawyer Anand Singh argued the fine is a large amount and if the money in Australia were to be repatriated – there is no guarantee that the situation can be reversed – if Chaudhry’s appeal is successful.
Based on this and other grounds in the affidavit – Chaudhry is seeking a stay or suspension of the sentence.
Suva High Court judge, Justice Paul Madigan questioned the grounds on which Chaudhry is seeking a stay or suspension.
He said there is no precedent for a judge to stay a sentence if a fine was issued, and not a prison term.
Justice Madigan also stated – IF the appeal does succeed, Chaudhry’s fine would be returned and he would be free to do with it as he pleases.
A ruling is expected in the coming days.
