News

Waqanika Pleads Not Guilty

Posted by Media Team 24 March 2026

Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika has pleaded not guilty to the amended charges brought against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Ms. Waqanika is charged with one count of Publicly Indicating Opposition to a Political Party.

The matter was called before Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad at the Suva Magistrates Court this morning, where the amended charge was formally read to the accused.

Defence counsel Samuela Savu informed the court that there are ongoing proceedings in the Suva High Court concerning an application for a Stay of Criminal Proceedings before Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull, with a ruling scheduled to be delivered on 6 May 2026.

In response, FICAC State Counsel Joseph Work submitted that the High Court proceedings would have no bearing on the substantive matter until an order is made and that in the meantime, the current case should proceed as scheduled where the next step is Pre-Trial Conference.

Resident Magistrate Prasad subsequently adjourned the matter to 27 May 2026 for a Pre-Trial Conference.

It is alleged that on or about 19 April 2024, while serving as a public officer namely as a Board Member of Investment Fiji and Telecom Fiji Limited, Ms. Waqanika publicly indicated opposition to the political party SODELPA.