Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been convicted of making an “unwarranted demand to a public official” by the Suva High Court. Justice Thushara Rajasinghe delivered this ruling, which relates to Bainimarama’s attempts to influence police disciplinary actions concerning two officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, during his tenure. The incidents occurred between May and August 2021 and were linked to a photograph circulating online that inadvertently implicated Bainimarama’s brother, Jonacani Bainimarama, in drug trafficking.
During the trial, the court highlighted that Bainimarama exerted pressure on then-acting police commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, demanding the dismissal or resignation of the two officers, a demand that exceeded his official authority. In a related decision, former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho was acquitted of separate abuse of office charges due to a lack of evidence against him regarding his actions in reversing the officers’ disciplinary penalties.
Justice Rajasinghe emphasized that the Prime Minister and his office do not possess the constitutional authority to unilaterally dismiss police personnel. The evidence presented showed that Bainimarama sought intervention based on personal relationships, intertwining familial ties with the official conduct of police discipline.
This legal development marks a significant milestone in Fiji’s judiciary, being the first prosecution under the charge of making unwarranted demands on a public official. Bainimarama’s sentencing hearing is set for October 14, 2025, as the legal proceedings proceed.
The implications of this case extend beyond Bainimarama himself, raising critical concerns regarding governance ethics, police independence, and the precarious balance between political power and disciplinary measures in the public service realm. A transparent legal process could potentially lead to reforms that enhance accountability and bolster public confidence in government entities.
The ongoing scrutiny of the allegations underlines the essential value of integrity in public service. Achieving a fair resolution of this case may ultimately contribute to stronger protections against political meddling in police operations, fostering a more robust framework for democratic governance in Fiji.