Sitiveni Qiliho has denied that he was controlled or influenced by former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama during his tenure as Fiji’s police commissioner in 2021, even as prosecutors push ahead with charges linked to Bainimarama’s alleged interference. In court, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro asserted that the evidence Qiliho gave earlier in the proceedings was untrue and lies.
The case centers on Bainimarama, who is charged with making unwarranted demands between May 21 and August 18, 2021. It is alleged that he directed then Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to terminate the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, and that Bainimarama warned Tudravu he would resign if the officers were not dismissed. Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office for allegedly reviewing Tudravu’s disciplinary decision and ultimately terminating Ratei and Naulu between August 5 and August 18, 2021, instead of upholding the original five-day disciplinary penalty.
The trial date has been set for a six-week period from June 2 to July 11, 2025, in Suva. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for January 13, 2025. Defence counsel, Davenesh Sharma, has indicated that the defense plans to call a substantial number of witnesses, with the State also prepared to present a sizable witness list. Past reporting has commonly described the proceedings as a significant test of accountability and governance in Fiji’s public service, highlighting public expectations for transparent and fair adjudication.
Commentary and analysis:
– The case underscores ongoing concerns about political influence in police matters and the safeguarding of officers’ rights within disciplinary processes.
– The forthcoming trial offers a critical opportunity to clarify the boundaries between political leadership and independent policing, with potential implications for public trust in governance and accountability.
– Readers should watch Tudravu’s testimony and the documentary record surrounding the disciplinary decisions and their reversals, as these elements will be central to determining whether improper pressure occurred and who dictated the outcome.
Summary:
In a high-stakes legal confrontation, Bainimarama faces an unwarranted-demand charge for allegedly pressuring Tudravu to sack two officers under threat of resignation, while Qiliho is accused of abusing his office by reviewing and overturning Tudravu’s disciplinary actions to terminate the same officers. The case is scheduled to unfold in court from June 2 to July 11, 2025, with a pre-trial on January 13, 2025, and a broad roster of witnesses anticipated on both sides.
Potential value add:
– For readers, a timeline of events (May–August 2021) and the roles of the key figures (Tudravu, Ratei, Naulu) can help clarify the sequence of alleged actions.
– A brief explainer on what constitutes “unwarranted demand” and “abuse of office” under Fiji’s legal framework could help readers understand the charges in context.
– If available, linking to procedural documents or court filings (without quoting them) could provide deeper insight into the evidentiary basis for the charges and the expected witness lineup.
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