The Fiji Court of Appeal is set to hear the bail application for former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who is currently serving a one-year sentence. Qiliho appeared in court alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who was granted early release last month. Both individuals were convicted by the High Court in Suva on March 14 of this year.
During the court session, their lawyer Devanesh Sharma informed Justice Chandana Prematilaka that they were withdrawing a previous motion regarding their conviction and sentencing initially filed on April 23. Sharma noted that this motion was intended to request a stay on the duo’s sentencing in the Court of Appeal. Notably, he expressed optimism about Qiliho receiving an early release similar to Bainimarama’s.
Justice Prematilaka provided the applicants 21 days to submit their arguments concerning the bail application. The State has until January 21 to respond to these submissions, with Sharma given until January 28 to reply to the State’s response. The next court appearance is scheduled for January 30.
This ongoing legal process highlights the complexities of judicial proceedings and the opportunities for individuals to seek appeal and reconsideration of their cases. Many will be watching to see how this case unfolds and the implications it may have on the legal landscape in Fiji.
The situation also underscores the importance of the legal right to appeal, which can offer hope to individuals seeking a second chance or a different outcome.
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