Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been sentenced to a 12-month prison term, which has been suspended for three years, following his conviction for making unwarranted demands as a public official. The ruling was handed down by the Suva High Court, where Justice Thushara Rajasinghe noted that Bainimarama’s actions amounted to an abuse of authority but did not involve personal financial gain.
The case originated from accusations that Bainimarama pressured then-acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to dismiss two police officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu. These officers had faced minor disciplinary penalties for circulating a private photograph of Bainimarama’s brother on a police Viber group. Bainimarama’s attempts to influence the police action occurred between May and August 2021 and demonstrated a serious breach of the institutional independence of the police force.
In his sentencing remarks, Justice Rajasinghe emphasized that the punishment aimed to serve as a deterrent for both elected and appointed officials, safeguarding the community from similar abuses of power in the future. While the former Prime Minister faced stiff accusations, the judge noted that there were no fraudulent elements to his actions that aimed to secure personal advantage or cause financial loss to the state.
The court’s leniency in suspending the sentence took into account Bainimarama’s health issues, indicating a need for ongoing medical care. Importantly, his conviction also results in an eight-year disqualification from standing for parliamentary elections, significantly reducing the chances of re-offending during that period.
Outside the court, Bainimarama expressed appreciation to his legal team and the support from family and friends throughout the trial process. Following this conviction, there is a renewed emphasis on governance and accountability within Fiji, with many observers hopeful that these proceedings will lead to higher ethical standards in public service and a restoration of trust in leadership. This situation underlines the importance of integrity and ethical conduct in governance, painting a cautiously optimistic picture for the future of Fiji’s political landscape.