The High Court in Suva has postponed its decision in the legal case involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho until October 2, 2025. The delay follows a request from the presiding judge, Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, for additional submissions from both parties on specific elements of the Fijian Constitution.
Bainimarama is charged with making an unjustified demand as a public official, with allegations suggesting he pressured then-Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to dismiss Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, threatening Tudravu with resignation if he did not comply. Meanwhile, Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office, accused of improperly intervening in the disciplinary measures instigated by Tudravu, bypassing standard police procedures.
The State’s prosecution team is headed by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro and Senior State Lawyer Pooja Mishra. Defending Bainimarama and Qiliho are attorneys Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima from R Patel Lawyers. The trial is set to proceed from June 2 to July 11, 2025, involving around 30 witnesses, and it has garnered significant public interest due to its implications for governance and accountability in Fiji.
This trial is seen as a critical examination of leadership ethics in Fiji and could result in stronger governance standards. The focus on potential misuse of power and ethical conduct underscores the importance of the judicial system in ensuring fairness and accountability among public officials. As the public anticipates the trial outcomes, there is hope that such legal scrutiny will lead to enhanced transparency and trust in Fiji’s governance structures.