Meli Bainimarama, the son of Fiji’s former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after a violent incident involving his former girlfriend in Sydney, Australia. The attack resulted in significant injuries to the victim, including a ruptured eardrum.
At 38 years old, Bainimarama pleaded guilty to several domestic violence charges, which included choking his ex-partner, assaulting her, and sharing an intimate image of the couple without her consent. During the sentencing at the Parramatta Local Court, Magistrate Timothy Khoo imposed a sentence of 28 months, with a non-parole period set at 14 months. Bainimarama faced multiple counts of assault, choking without consent, stalking, and intimidation.
The relationship between Bainimarama and his victim began in February 2022, but it immediately turned abusive. Evidence presented in court revealed that during one incident, while she was driving him to the airport, he became violent, leading to further assaults that left the woman in distress.
Bainimarama had previously encountered legal troubles, having served seven months of a ten-month sentence for similar domestic violence offences against another woman earlier in 2023. After being granted bail, he again exhibited violent behavior, this time toward his estranged wife.
The prosecution argued that Bainimarama presented a continued risk to women’s safety given his history of violence in two consecutive relationships. While the magistrate acknowledged Bainimarama’s efforts toward self-improvement, he emphasized the seriousness of his re-offending while on bail. He is set for potential release in January 2026.
This situation sheds light on the urgent need for effective measures to address domestic violence and support victims. While the judicial system has taken steps to hold individuals accountable, it remains critical for communities to foster awareness and provide resources for those affected by such violence. There is hope that Bainimarama’s sentence will serve as a deterrent and encourage others to seek help rather than perpetuating cycles of abuse.
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