The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is currently reviewing the decision by the Court of Appeal to quash the conviction and set aside the sentence of Fiji-Canadian national, Joshua Aziz Rahman.

Joshua Rahman was charged for the unlawful possession of 39.5 kilograms of cocaine which were discovered at his Caubati home in 2019. The drugs were found in his father’s bedroom who was overseas at the time of the search. Joshua Rahman was convicted and sentenced to 23 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 14-years. Joshua Rahman then appealed both his conviction and sentence.

Although the conviction has been quashed, the Court of Appeal has ordered for a re-trial to be set at the earliest opportunity. In light of this, the ODPP is carefully considering the decision and is exploring the possibility of appealing the ruling to the Supreme Court.

Whilst the public are entitled to debate on the outcome of cases, the ODPP is urging the public to refrain from making unnecessary comments or personal attacks on the judiciary while the matter is still before the courts. It is important that the criminal justice system is allowed to proceed in accordance with the law and due process.