The Fiji Court of Appeal is set to hear the case regarding bail pending appeal for former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who is currently serving a one-year sentence. Qiliho appeared in court alongside former Prime Minister Bainimarama, who was granted an early release last month. Both men were convicted by the High Court in Suva on March 14 this year.
Their attorney, Devanesh Sharma, informed the court that they were withdrawing a previous motion related to their conviction and sentencing, which had been filed in April of the prior year. Mr. Sharma noted that while the motion was intended to seek a stay on the sentencing, the proceedings continued without it. He expressed optimism about Qiliho’s chances of receiving a similar early release as Bainimarama.
Justice Chandana Prematilaka has given the applicants 21 days to submit their arguments regarding the bail matter. Following this, the State will have until January 21 to respond. Mr. Sharma must reply by January 28 before the next scheduled hearing on January 30.
The progression of this case reflects a robust legal process and the hope that justice will be served. The attention on Qiliho’s situation may provide a broader discussion about the justice system in Fiji and its implications for public trust and governance.
A positive note in this situation is the opportunity for dialogue and potential reform surrounding judicial processes, which could be beneficial for the community in understanding and engaging with the legal system.
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