The Suva High Court has directed the State to locate an independent technical expert on the Viber messaging platform as part of the continuing trial involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho. Justice Thushara Rajasinghe made the request during hearings on matters arising from evidence linked to images shared on police Viber groups, including an image of the late Jonacani Bainimarama.
The State told the court it would seek an expert and report back by the afternoon. Defence counsel also requested access to any expert statements once available to prepare their case. The matter of technical proof and platform behaviour has become central because the charges hinge on how images were shared and circulated on Viber groups used by police.
Two of six interviewees gave evidence at the High Court today. Sergeant Ilaitia Temo of the Cybercrime Unit outlined his review of call records for four phone numbers associated with Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Rusiate Tudravu, Jonacani Bainimarama and CID Chief Serupepeli Naiko. The data covered the period May 1 to December 31, 2021, and included call times, dates, signal locations and IMEI numbers. Temo said these records assisted the investigation and confirmed calls occurred between the four numbers, but he acknowledged in cross‑examination that call durations were not recorded and that an IMEI links to a device (or its registered owner) rather than proving who actually used the device at a given time.
Investigating Officer Paula Kaikai from the Criminal Investigations Department also testified. Kaikai told the court that documents shown to Bainimarama during his CID caution interview included the oath of allegiance and the oath of ministers, and that Bainimarama cooperated during questioning. Both Temo and Kaikai confirmed Bainimarama was cautioned and advised of his rights during the recorded interview, which the prosecution said was preserved on three CDs. Kaikai denied that Viber images were shown to Bainimarama during the CID interview; she said questions were sometimes repeated for clarity, not as a fishing expedition.
The prosecution alleges Bainimarama and Qiliho improperly pressured then‑Acting Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to terminate two police officers — Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu — and that Bainimarama threatened Tudravu with resignation if he did not comply. It is further alleged that Qiliho abused his authority by overruling Tudravu’s disciplinary decision and terminating the officers. Both men have pleaded not guilty: Bainimarama to a count of making an unwarranted demand as a public official, and Qiliho to two counts of abuse of office.
Background court scheduling from earlier proceedings shows the trial is set to run from June 2 to July 11, 2025, over approximately six weeks, with dozens of witnesses expected to testify. Pre‑trial conferences have been set to continue as the defence and prosecution finalize evidence and expert materials.
Comments and explanation
– The court’s request for a Viber technical expert reflects the increasing complexity of digital evidence. Messaging apps differ in how they store, transmit and log messages and media; an expert can explain metadata, group membership mechanics, deletion/retention behavior, and what server or device records can reliably show.
– Call records (including IMEI and cell‑site information) can establish that particular devices were in communication and their approximate locations, but they do not by themselves prove who was using a device at a given time or what occurred inside an app like Viber. That distinction is why both device‑level and platform‑level expertise are relevant.
– Defence access to any expert reports is a standard fairness measure so legal teams can test technical claims and prepare counter‑arguments or alternative explanations for the evidence.
Brief summary
The High Court has ordered the State to find a Viber platform expert for the trial of ex‑Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, as testimony about phone records and caution interviews continues. Two investigators have given evidence about call logs, interviews and how the CID handled questioning. The charges relate to alleged improper demands and wrongful terminations connected to images shared in police Viber groups. The trial is scheduled for June–July 2025.
Hopeful perspective
The court’s insistence on expert technical input and the transparent airing of investigative records illustrate the judiciary’s role in ensuring evidence is properly understood and tested. Thorough technical examination and fair access to expert material for both sides can help deliver a clearer, more equitable outcome — reinforcing public confidence in due process and accountability.
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