SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka’s Defense counsel Lynda Tabuya in a social media post on Friday last week claims the charges laid against Rabuka is not a crime but a regulatory offence under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act of 2013.

Rabuka is charged with one count of providing a false declaration of Assets, Income and Liabilities to the Supervisor of Election.

However, under Section 24 of Political Parties Act of 2013; if convicted Rabuka will be liable to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or both.

Rabuka is alleged to have in 2017, provided a false declaration of assets and liabilities to the Supervisor of Elections by failing to provide information pertaining to the tax liability with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Services (FRCS) which amounted to over $316,000.

He’s also alleged to have failed to declare Investment and interest income from Raghwan Constructions Limited in the amount of $200,000 and $16,000 respectively and also a liability in the amount of $120,000.

He was released on bail by the Suva Magistrates court last week and will reappear on June 6th for a plea.