High-Stakes Legal Drama: Former PM’s Case Takes Center Stage

The Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Laisani Tabuakuro, has stated she will not recuse herself from the case involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho. Counsel for the defense, Devanesh Sharma, had requested her recusal, but Tabuakuro informed Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne that the State would not respond to the application.

Bainimarama and Qiliho appeared for a motion hearing related to the State’s effort to transfer their substantive case to the High Court. The charges stem from actions taken in 2021 involving the sacking of two police officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu. Bainimarama is accused of pressuring then-Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to terminate these officers’ contracts or face resignation himself if he did not comply. Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office for his involvement in the disciplinary actions against the officers.

Tabuakuro argued that this case requires the jurisdiction of the High Court due to its complexity and the need to address the definitions of “public service” and “civil service” as outlined under Section 163 (C). Conversely, Sharma claimed this issue could be resolved at the lower court level during pretrial proceedings and emphasized the magistrate’s authority to refer complicated matters if needed.

The parties have agreed to postpone the recusal application hearing until after Magistrate Somaratne’s ruling on June 6. The upcoming trial is anticipated to be significant, featuring about 30 witnesses, and is scheduled from June 2 to July 11, 2025.

This case is crucial for discussions around governance, accountability, and ethical responsibilities among public officials in Fiji. Many citizens hold hope that it will foster meaningful reforms in transparency and integrity in governance and contribute positively to the judicial system’s perception. The resolution of such high-profile cases could reinforce public trust in the institutions that uphold justice and accountability in the region.