Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho are scheduled to appear before the Suva Magistrate’s Court on March 10 for their pretrial conference related to charges of abuse of office. The two had previously appeared in court where both were charged under various allegations, Bainimarama facing one count of unwarranted demands as a public official while Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office.

The allegations against Bainimarama date back to incidents between May 21 and August 18, 2021. He is accused of pressuring former Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu to terminate two officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu, or face resignation himself. In a similar timeframe, Qiliho is alleged to have contradicted Tudravu’s disciplinary decisions against the two officers, by imposing unjust employment terminations rather than following the initial penalties which were merely fines.

Their trial has been set for June 2 to July 11, 2025, and with the anticipation of around 30 witnesses expected to testify. A pre-trial conference will provide further clarity on the case’s progress and any potential resolutions.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges, and their legal teams are in the process of reviewing facts and materials related to the case.

This case underscores significant issues surrounding accountability and the upholding of legal processes within public office. As the legal proceedings unfold, many will be watching closely, hoping for a fair and just resolution for all parties involved.