Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is set to face sentencing next Wednesday after being convicted of making an unwarranted demand to a public official. The hearing will occur in the High Court in Suva, presided over by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe. This conviction arrived following a trial where Bainimarama’s co-accused, former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, was acquitted of abuse of office charges.
The prosecution team includes Assistant DPP Laisani Tabuakuro and Senior State Lawyer Pooja Mishra, while Bainimarama is defended by Suva-based lawyers Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima from RPatel Lawyers. The case has been adjourned until October 22.
Earlier this month, Bainimarama was found guilty of demanding that Rusiate Tudravu, the Acting Commissioner of Police, terminate the employment of two police officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu. Bainimarama’s demand reportedly came with the threat that if the officers were not terminated, Tudravu should resign from his own position.
In related developments, Bainimarama is currently serving a separate sentence at the Nasinu Corrections Centre. It is important to note that his legal team plans to contest no agreed facts in relation to the case, indicating a prolonged legal battle ahead.
As the judicial proceedings unfold, the case captures significant public interest as it involves high-profile figures in Fiji politics. This ongoing situation reflects the complexities and challenges within political leadership and public accountability, ultimately serving as a reminder of the rule of law’s role in governance.