The Magistrate’s Court has scheduled the trial date for the case involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho. The two appeared before Suva Magistrate Jeremaia Savou this morning, facing charges of unwarranted demand made by a public official and abuse of office, respectively.
The trial is set for June 2025 and will extend over six weeks, with approximately 30 witnesses expected to testify.
DPP Lawyer Pooja Mishra informed the court that the State had not received any documents or facts from the defense. Defense Lawyer Devanesh Sharma stated they are still reviewing documents for any admissions that might be prejudicial.
Meanwhile, Bainimarama is expected to be released from the correction facility before the trial. Sharma mentioned he would inform the court when his clients are released. Bainimarama is currently serving a sentence in Nasinu Corrections Centre, while Qiliho is at Naboro Corrections Centre.
Bainimarama is accused of making unwarranted demands as a public official. It is alleged that between May 21, 2021, and August 18, 2021, Bainimarama, in his official capacity, demanded Rusiate Tudravu terminate the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu from the Fiji Police Force. If not, Tudravu was to hand in his resignation. This demand was intended to influence Tudravu in his official duties as Acting Commissioner of Police.
Qiliho is alleged to have, between August 5 and August 18, 2021, reviewed Tudravu’s disciplinary decision against Sergeant Ratei and Police Constable Naulu, which was five equivalent paid working days. Contrary to this decision, Qiliho terminated their employment from the Fiji Police Force, which was deemed an abuse of his office’s authority and prejudicial to the officers’ rights.
The trial will take place from June 2 to July 11, 2025.