Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is scheduled to face sentencing next Wednesday after being found guilty of making an unlawful demand to a public official. The sentencing will be conducted in the High Court in Suva, with Justice Thushara Rajasinghe presiding. This conviction follows a trial where Bainimarama’s co-accused, former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, was acquitted of charges related to abuse of office.
The prosecution team includes Assistant DPP Laisani Tabuakuro and Senior State Lawyer Pooja Mishra, while Bainimarama is represented by Suva-based lawyers Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima from RPatel Lawyers. The case has been adjourned until October 22 for the sentencing hearing.
Earlier this month, Bainimarama was convicted of requesting that Rusiate Tudravu, the Acting Commissioner of Police, dismiss two police officers: Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu. Reports indicate that Bainimarama’s demand was accompanied by a threat, suggesting that Tudravu should resign from his position if the officers were not dismissed.
In other developments, Bainimarama is currently serving a separate sentence at the Nasinu Corrections Centre. His legal representatives have indicated plans to contest no agreed facts relating to this case, suggesting a protracted legal struggle may lie ahead.
The case has captured significant public attention, involving prominent figures in Fijian politics, and highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding political leadership and public accountability. It also underscores the vital role of the rule of law in governance, providing a hopeful reminder of the importance of legal equality in addressing issues of power and responsibility in leadership.