Former Fiji prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama told the Suva High Court today that his older brother, Jonacani Bainimarama, had reached out to him about a photo circulating in a police Viber group. He said his brother felt embarrassed because relatives and friends might think he was a drug suspect, while in fact Jonacani had acted as a drug informant in a 2021 marijuana transport case. Bainimarama emphasized that he did not send any Viber messages to acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu demanding that he resign or terminate officers.
The former prime minister is facing a single count of making unwarranted demands as a public official, with the allegations that between May 21 and August 18, 2021, he pressured Tudravu to terminate the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, or resign. By contrast, former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho is charged with two counts of abuse of office for allegedly reviewing Tudravu’s disciplinary decisions and unlawfully terminating the two officers.
Bainimarama was cross-examined by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro and is set to resume his testimony after a break. The prosecution has signaled that Tudravu will be called as its final witness.
Context surrounding the case includes references to a family member connected to the investigation and to the handling of informants. Earlier testimony described Jonacani Bainimarama as a drug informant whose statements were recorded under Tudravu’s direction, highlighting the tension between protecting informants and the public interest in disclosures. Prosecutors have also relied on documentary material, including search warrants and appointment records connected to Tudravu and Qiliho, to establish the timeline and authority behind the disputed disciplinary actions. In addition, questions have arisen about the handling of Viber communications and the integrity of digital evidence when the investigation involved officers and senior officials.
A number of related developments have underscored the role of evidence in assessing governance ethics and police independence. For instance, attempts to recover Viber messages from Bainimarama’s phone have highlighted the challenges of digital evidence in high-profile cases, with the defense noting that the phone was reset and some data could not be retrieved. The court has also heard testimony on how appointment letters and related records were obtained, offering insight into the procedures behind senior police appointments and disciplinary decisions.
What readers should watch for next:
– Tudravu’s forthcoming testimony, which prosecutors describe as pivotal to determining whether there was improper pressure and who ultimately made the disciplinary decisions.
– Any further documents related to Viber communications, search warrants, and official appointment records that could illuminate the chain of command.
– The ongoing examination of informant-related materials and how confidentiality and safety considerations were managed in the course of the inquiry.
Added value and analysis:
– The case sits at the intersection of political oversight and police independence, raising questions about how executive guidance interacts with internal discipline and due process for officers.
– If prosecutors prove the existence of unwarranted political influence, it could prompt calls for reforms in disciplinary procedures and oversight mechanisms within Fiji’s public service.
– If the defense demonstrates that actions were within lawful bounds and properly executed, it could reflect the limits of executive involvement in internal police matters while reinforcing procedural safeguards.
Hopeful perspective:
– A transparent, fact-based trial that upholds due process can strengthen public trust in Fiji’s governance and policing institutions, regardless of the outcome. Clear, evidence-driven findings would contribute to accountability and the integrity of public service.
Short snapshot of the case:
– Bainimarama faces one count of unwarranted demands; Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office.
– The allegations center on pressure to terminate two officers or face resignation, during May–August 2021, with Tudravu as acting commissioner handling the disciplinary actions.
– The trial continues to unfold with debates over Viber communications, informant handling, and documentary evidence.
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