Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho are scheduled to appear in court later this month to face charges of inciting mutiny. The Suva Magistrate’s Court has decided against setting a hearing date on the prosecution’s request, emphasizing that all evidence must first be presented to the defendants.
Bainimarama is specifically charged with inciting mutiny for allegedly sending Viber messages to Brigadier General Manoa Gadai from January 1 to July 31, 2023. These messages reportedly encouraged Gadai to challenge the authority of Ro Jone Kalouniwai, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).
Both Bainimarama and Qiliho are jointly implicated in a second charge of inciting mutiny which occurred between July 1 and July 31, 2023. The indictment claims that they sought to persuade several high-ranking RFMF officers, including Lieutenant Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura, and Colonel Viliame Draunibaka, to make unlawful arrests and usurp the authority of the RFMF Commander.
Luisa Latu, the Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, stated that adverse weather conditions caused delays in obtaining crucial evidential documents, prompting the need for additional time to complete the evidence disclosure process. In light of this, Magistrate Yogesh Prasad has granted the State a 14-day extension to comply with these requirements.
The bail for both men has been extended, and the case has been postponed to March 19, allowing time for the necessary procedures to take place. As proceedings continue, this case highlights significant legal and political implications in Fiji, raising questions about governance and military authority in the region.
Leave a comment