Defense lawyers for former Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho say they do not plan to file a no-case-to-answer submission as the defendants prepare to testify as defense witnesses tomorrow in the Suva High Court. The proceedings come after a string of prosecution witnesses has wrapped up, with Investigating Officer Tomasi Cabecuva and Digital Forensic Officer Savenaca Joape giving evidence on the latest developments.
Cabecuva told the court that no effort was made to recover Viber messages from Bainimarama’s phone when the initial complaint was lodged in February 2023, and the messages could not be retrieved because the phone was factory reset in March 2023. Joape testified that he was given 48 hours to extract the messages but could not complete the task due to the reset. Assistance was later sought from the Australian Federal Police, which used Cellbrite software after the Cyber Crime Unit’s license had expired; the extraction was completed last week.
Bainimarama faces one count of making unwarranted demands as a public official, while Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office. Prosecutors allege that Bainimarama pressured then-Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to dismiss two officers, and that Qiliho allegedly overrode Tudravu’s disciplinary decisions and unlawfully terminated the officers.
Looking ahead, the trial in Suva is scheduled to run from June 2 to July 11, 2025, a six-week period during which defense and prosecution are expected to present their cases. Pre-trial proceedings have set a conference for January 13, 2025. Earlier coverage in the case has cited the defense planning to call around 30 witnesses, while prosecutors have signaled a substantial witness list as the State builds its case. The proceedings have focused attention on governance ethics, the independence of Fiji’s public service, and the limits of executive influence over policing.
Added value and commentary
– The case highlights the ongoing tension between political oversight and police independence, with potential implications for civil-service protections and due process.
– If findings point to undue interference, reforms in oversight and disciplinary procedures within Fiji’s public service could be pursued to strengthen accountability.
– The handling of digital evidence, including messaging platforms, underscores the evolving role of cyber forensics in high-profile political-law enforcement cases.
Short summary
– Defense lawyers are not seeking a no-case-to-answer ruling as Bainimarama and Qiliho prepare to testify. Prosecution evidence has focused on the handling of digital messages and potential attempts to influence police discipline. The trial is scheduled for June–July 2025, with substantial witness testimony anticipated and a pre-trial conference set for January 2025.
Overall, the case continues to raise important questions about governance, accountability, and the balance between executive authority and independent policing in Fiji.
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