The Fiji Court of Appeal is set to hear the bail application 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 at the Veiuto Court Complex, where Bainimarama was granted early release last month.
Both Qiliho and Bainimarama were convicted by the High Court in Suva on March 14 of this year. In court proceedings, their attorney, Devanesh Sharma, announced the withdrawal of the motion regarding their conviction and sentencing, which had been filed on April 23 of the previous year. This particular motion was connected to their request for a stay of sentencing in the Court of Appeal. Sharma expressed confidence that, following Bainimarama’s release, Qiliho would also be granted similar relief.
Justice Chandana Prematilaka allowed the applicants 21 days to submit their arguments concerning the bail while affording the State until January 21 to respond to these submissions. Sharma has until January 28 to reply to the State’s response before the next hearing on January 30.
This legal process highlights the continuing developments within Fiji’s judicial system and reflects the ongoing discussions surrounding the convictions of prominent political figures. As the case progresses, it is hoped that a fair and just resolution will be achieved, ultimately reinforcing the rule of law in Fiji.
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