The trial date for former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has been scheduled for June 2 next year.
During a session at the Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday, their lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, mentioned that they were still reviewing documents for any admissions. Sharma stated that the trial is expected to last six weeks, with 30 witnesses involved. A pre-trial conference is set for January 13. Bainimarama and Qiliho appeared before Magistrate Jeremiah Savou.
Bainimarama has pleaded not guilty to one count of making an unwarranted demand as a public official, while Qiliho has pleaded not guilty to two counts of abuse of office.
It is alleged that between May 21, 2021, and August 18, 2021, in Suva, Bainimarama, employed as a public official, made an unwarranted demand to Rusiate Tudravu to terminate the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu from the Fiji Police Force. Bainimarama allegedly demanded that if Tudravu did not terminate these officers, he should resign from his position.