Prominent lawyer Devanesh Sharma has asserted that the Magistrates Court has the jurisdiction to hear the case concerning former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho. Bainimarama faces a charge of making unwarranted demands as a public official, while Qiliho is charged with two counts of abuse of office.
The allegations relate to events in 2021, where Bainimarama purportedly pressured then-Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to either dismiss officers Penieli Ratei and Tomasi Naulu or resign. Qiliho is accused of intervening in Tudravu’s disciplinary rulings by unlawfully terminating the two officers instead of allowing their original penalties.
In the recent court proceedings, the state sought to move the case to the High Court, claiming that jurisdiction lies solely with that court. Sharma countered this by highlighting that the application to move the case has come at a late stage, just before the trial, and pointed out that both his clients are currently unemployed, raising concerns about legal costs. He also rebuffed claims from Assistant DPP Laisani Tabuakoro that the defense was being inconsistent, calling those statements personal and misguided. While the Assistant DPP maintained that the matter should be addressed at the High Court level, Sharma’s argument emphasized that the Magistrates Court was fully capable of proceeding with the case.
A ruling on the state’s transfer application is anticipated next Monday at 2:30 PM, and the trial is set to commence on June 2, 2025, lasting approximately six weeks with around 30 witnesses expected to testify.
This case is of significant public interest in Fiji, as it raises vital discussions around governance, accountability, and the ethical responsibilities of public officials. Many citizens are hopeful that the legal proceedings could lead to enhanced transparency and accountability within the government, ultimately working towards a more ethical administration. There is an overarching aspiration in the community that through these legal processes, substantial reform in public governance might ensue, reinforcing the principles of fairness and justice in the public service sector.
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