The Fiji Court of Appeal is set to hear the bail application pending appeal for former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho. Currently serving a one-year sentence, Qiliho appeared alongside former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who was granted early release last month. Both were convicted by the High Court in Suva on March 14.
During the court hearing at the Veiuto Court Complex, Qiliho’s lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, informed that they would be withdrawing their motion regarding the conviction and sentencing, which was originally filed on April 23 of the previous year. He explained that this motion was connected to their request for a stay on the convictions pending the appeal, but the proceedings continued regardless.
Sharma expressed confidence that Qiliho might achieve a similar early release to that of Bainimarama. Justice Chandana Prematilaka allowed 21 days for the applicants to submit further documentation concerning the bail application. The State is expected to respond by January 21, with Sharma having until January 28 to address the State’s arguments before the next hearing scheduled for January 30.
This development highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by key political figures in Fiji, reflecting the nation’s complex political landscape. Despite the current circumstances, the progress towards potential bail reflects a legal system that is actively engaged with cases involving high-profile individuals.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential to observe how the judiciary manages these appeals, reinforcing the principles of justice and legal recourse available to all citizens. The hope remains that these proceedings will be conducted fairly and transparently, fostering trust in the legal system.
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