Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho are set to face trial for charges of abuse of office starting June 2, 2025. Their trial is expected to last for six weeks, ending on July 11, 2025, and will involve around 30 witnesses.
Bainimarama has been accused of making unwarranted demands as a public official between May 21 and August 18, 2021. He allegedly pressured Rusiate Tudravu, the then Acting Commissioner of Police, to terminate the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu, threatening Tudravu to resign if he did not comply.
Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office. It is alleged that between August 5 and August 18, 2021, he unlawfully overturned a disciplinary decision that had imposed a fine on both officers, instead terminating their employment, which is deemed an arbitrary misuse of his authority.
The pretrial conference for this case will take place on January 13, 2025. Bainimarama is currently serving a sentence unrelated to this case, while Qiliho is detained at the Naboro Corrections Centre.
This case represents a significant moment in Fiji’s political and legal landscape, reflecting ongoing efforts to address accountability at the highest levels of government. Observers hope that the upcoming trial will bring clarity and justice to the parties involved, serving as a reminder of the importance of integrity within public office.
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