The trial of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho commenced today at the Suva High Court, with Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu serving as the first witness for the prosecution. The court proceedings are expected to be extensive, with the state planning to call up to 22 witnesses and present 42 agreed bundles of facts.
Seruiratu, who is a former Minister of Defense under Bainimarama, testified that neither he nor Bainimarama had the legal authority to terminate police officers, emphasizing that such power lies solely with the Commissioner of Police. The prosecution alleges that Bainimarama and Qiliho improperly pressured then-Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to terminate the employment of two police officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu. It is claimed that Bainimarama threatened Tudravu with resignation if he did not comply with the demand to dismiss the officers, representing an attempt to unduly influence Tudravu in his official capacity.
Moreover, Qiliho is accused of abusing his authority by overruling Tudravu’s decision regarding the disciplinary actions against the officers, ultimately leading to their dismissal. The prosecution claims that these actions were arbitrary and detrimental to the rights of Ratei and Naulu.
Similar cases have raised significant discussions about the accountability of public officials in Fiji. Observers remain hopeful that these proceedings will reinforce public trust in governmental institutions and promote transparency and ethical governance in the future. The trial is scheduled to continue, providing a crucial opportunity to address wider issues of ethics in public service and ensuring accountability among those in positions of authority.
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