Former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has been convicted by the Suva High Court on all nine charges relating to abuse of office and discharge of duty in which he has a private interest.
The ruling was made this afternoon in a jam packed court house.
A number of people including family and friends waited outside.
Justice Priyantha Fernando ruled he’s satisfied that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt on all the nine counts.
Fernando says the assessors also agreed that Qarase abused his office for purpose of gain and that was supported by evidence in court.
He then says that he has found the accused guilty.
Qarase has been released on bail bail with conditions to report to the Samabula Police Station everyday between 3pm to 5pm.
Mitigation is tomorrow with sentencing to follow.
