Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is poised to receive sentencing from the High Court in Suva, marking a significant moment in Fiji, as he stands as the first individual to be prosecuted for “unwarranted demand of a public official.” Bainimarama was convicted on October 2 for compelling then acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu during the period from May to August 2021.
Bainimarama faced charges alongside former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who was accused of two counts of abuse of office. However, Justice Thushara Rajasinghe acquitted Qiliho, ruling him not guilty. The case arose following an incident in which police officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, faced only mild disciplinary actions after sharing images of Jonacani Bainimarama, the former Prime Minister’s brother, in police Viber group chats. Bainimarama’s response was to pressure Tudravu to either dismiss the officers or resign, a demand that was ultimately countered by Qiliho when he decided to terminate their employment.
As the sentencing hearing unfolded recently, Bainimarama’s defense attorney, Devanesh Sharma, proposed several alternatives to a prison sentence, including a three-year suspended sentence, community service, or a monetary fine. In contrast, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Laisani Tabuakuro, argued for a custodial sentence, emphasizing that Bainimarama’s actions constituted an unwarranted threat, despite his awareness of lacking authority over the situation.
Additionally, Bainimarama has not been unfamiliar with legal issues; last year, he received a 12-month prison sentence along with Qiliho, who was sentenced to two years. Currently, Bainimarama remains on bail but is set to learn his fate later today at 2:30 PM.
This legal affair underscores crucial themes of accountability and governance within Fiji’s public service. As the case progresses, it opens an opportunity for reinforcing ethical standards and restoring faith in government integrity among the people. There is hope that the outcome will reaffirm a commitment to lawful conduct by those in positions of power, contributing to a brighter future for governance in Fiji.