Former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho told the Suva High Court this morning that the evidence he gave earlier was truthful and denied lying under oath, as cross-examination by state prosecutors continued in a high-profile case linked to former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. The State has argued that the Solicitor-General’s process was used to mask Qiliho’s motive or to justify the termination of two police officers without proper due process.
Qiliho also asserted in court that Bainimarama had no authority over him and did not interfere in police affairs, reinforcing the claim of police independence. He rejected suggestions that his actions caused financial distress to the officers involved and confirmed that the out-of-court settlement for Penieli Ratei and Tomasi Naulu was initiated by the Solicitor-General’s Office.
In the case, Bainimarama faces one count of unwarranted demands as a public official, while Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office. It is alleged that between May and August 2021, Bainimarama pressured then-Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to dismiss the two officers or resign. Qiliho is accused of overriding Tudravu’s disciplinary decisions and unlawfully terminating Ratei and Naulu between August 5 and August 18, 2021.
Context from ongoing testimonies indicates Tudravu’s appointment followed formal procedures, including presidential letters after vetting, and that Tudravu testified the Commissioner of Police does not meddle with the disciplinary tribunal’s processes; rather, police leadership endorses tribunal recommendations. It has also been alleged that orders to terminate came directly from Qiliho, with Ratei and Naulu given only three days to respond—far shorter than the standard period.
The State has signaled a robust case and is preparing to present a substantial number of witnesses, while the defense is led by Davenesh Sharma for Bainimarama and Gul Fatima for Qiliho. The proceedings have heightened discussion about governance, accountability, and the protections afforded to civil servants within Fiji’s public service.
What to watch next
– The trial continues in Suva, with judges handling cross-examination and witness testimony to determine whether political influence affected disciplinary decisions.
– Tudravu’s testimony and documentary evidence regarding the chain of command and the timing of the disciplinary actions are expected to remain central to the case.
– The unresolved questions around the role of the Solicitor-General’s Office in the settlement and the exact nature of the alleged unwarranted demands will be key focal points.
Key points
– Bainimarama charged with unwarranted demands; Qiliho charged with abuse of office (two counts).
– Alleged period: May–August 2021; actions centered on Tudravu, Ratei, and Naulu.
– Qiliho denies interference by Bainimarama and disputes claims of financial distress caused by terminations.
– Out-of-court settlement for the officers initiated by the Solicitor-General’s Office.
– The trial is part of broader questions about governance ethics, civil service independence, and due process in Fiji.
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