The Fiji Court of Appeal is set to hear the request for bail pending appeal from former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who is currently serving a one-year sentence. Qiliho appeared before Justice Chandana Prematilaka at the Veiuto Court Complex, accompanied by 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 of this year. During the hearing, their attorney, Devanesh Sharma, informed the court that they were withdrawing their earlier motion regarding their conviction and sentencing, which had been filed on April 23 last year. Sharma indicated that this motion was connected to their request for a stay on sentencing in the court of appeal, though the proceedings continued regardless.
Sharma expressed confidence that Qiliho, like Bainimarama, would ultimately receive favorable consideration for bail. Justice Prematilaka granted the parties 21 days to submit their arguments for bail, after which the State will have until January 21 to respond. Mr. Sharma will then have until January 28 to reply to the State’s response, with the next mention scheduled for January 30.
This ongoing legal situation highlights the complexities of the appeal process in Fiji’s judiciary, illustrating the paths available to individuals seeking to challenge their convictions. Despite the challenges faced, there is a possibility that both Qiliho and Bainimarama may find a measure of justice. The legal proceedings also reflect the importance of the court system in addressing and resolving issues of public concern, ensuring that all parties have the opportunity to present their cases thoroughly.
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