Former Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama has been found guilty of making unwarranted demands with menace, culminating in a verdict delivered by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the Suva High Court. The case relates to events between May 21 and August 18, 2021, when Bainimarama allegedly threatened then Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, insisting that he terminate the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, with a warning that Tudravu would have to resign if he failed to comply.
Senencing submissions regarding Bainimarama will be heard on October 9, with final sentencing scheduled for October 14, 2025. Former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who was also implicated in the case, was acquitted of two counts of abuse of office.
This trial forms part of broader legal proceedings against both Bainimarama and Qiliho, who previously pleaded not guilty to various charges. Qiliho is accused of having interfered in the disciplinary processes concerning the two officers, which has sparked significant discussions around accountability within Fiji’s government.
As the legal process continues, there is a palpable hope among the public for increased transparency and ethical governance in Fiji’s public services. Observers suggest that as the case unfolds, it has the potential to reinforce trust in governmental institutions, which has been a pressing issue in Fiji’s political landscape.