The trial of former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho is scheduled to take place between June 2 and July 11 next year.
The charges against the men stem from the alleged wrongful termination of contract of two police officers three years ago.
In a hearing before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, prosecution and defense lawyers discussed issues related to the caution interviews of the accused.
Bainimarama is accused of making unwarranted demands as a public officer between May 21 and August 18. He allegedly demanded that former acting commissioner of police Rusiate Tudravu terminate the services of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu on those dates. The offense details indicate that Tudravu was told he would have to resign if he did not terminate the officers’ contracts.
Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office for reviewing the disciplinary action decision made by Tudravu.
During the court session, DPP lawyer Pooja Mishra stated that the State had not received any voir dire grounds from the defense challenging the caution interview. In response, the defendants’ lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, said he was still evaluating the documents to determine if any admissions could prejudice his clients, and confirmed there were no agreed facts at the moment.
The production orders for Bainimarama and Qiliho were extended, and the pre-trial conference was postponed to January 13, 2025.