Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who has become the first individual in Fiji to face prosecution for “unwarranted demand of a public official,” is awaiting sentencing from the High Court in Suva. Bainimarama was found guilty on October 2 of making such a demand to then acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu during a period from May to August 2021.
Initially, Bainimarama was charged alongside former police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who confronted two counts of abuse of office. However, trial judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe acquitted Qiliho, declaring him not guilty. The matter arose when two police officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, received lenient disciplinary penalties after sharing photos of Jonacani Bainimarama, the former Prime Minister’s brother, in police Viber group chats. Following this incident, Bainimarama pressured Tudravu to dismiss the officers or face resignation, a demand ultimately overruled by Qiliho, who chose to terminate their employment.
During the recent sentencing hearing, Bainimarama’s lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, advocated for alternatives to a custodial sentence, suggesting a three-year suspended sentence, community service, or a financial penalty. Conversely, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Laisani Tabuakuro, is pushing for a custodial sentence, highlighting that Bainimarama’s actions involved an unwarranted threat despite him being cognizant of his lack of authority.
In a related case last year, Bainimarama was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment after being found guilty alongside Qiliho, who received a two-year sentence. Bainimarama is currently on bail but is expected to be sentenced later today at 2:30 PM.
This ongoing legal context emphasizes issues of accountability and governance in Fiji’s public administration, allowing for a vital chance to reinforce ethical practices. As the court proceedings unfold, many within the community look forward to an outcome that restores faith in governmental integrity and symbolizes a commitment to lawful conduct among public officials.