By The Associated Press (CP) – 17 hours ago
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5iplCx8DrLtpXhat1iLIIE5JPjbfw
SUVA, Fiji — Former Fijian Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has asked for a non-Fijian judge in his trial on tax evasion and money-laundering charges.
The Fiji Village website and other media reported Friday that High Court Justice Daniel Gounder adjourned Chaudhry's trial until Aug. 20 to allow the Department of Public Prosecutions to consider the application.
The military-led government has often been accused of interfering with the judiciary, which includes some Australian and New Zealand judges. Fiji has long had to rely on expatriates to fill senior judicial roles.
Chaudhry has pleaded not guilty on charges of breaching laws on overseas investments, of not declaring Australian currency and of falsifying a tax return.
He was prime minister from 1999 until a 2000 coup toppled his government.