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. Bainimarama faces charges of making unwarranted demands as a public official, while Qiliho is charged with abuse of office.
The trial is set to begin in June 2025 and is expected to last six weeks. Approximately 30 witnesses are 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 to identify any potentially prejudicial admissions.
Bainimarama is expected to be released from the correctional facility before the trial. Sharma mentioned that he would notify the court when his clients are released.
Currently, Bainimarama is serving a sentence for a separate case at the Nasinu Corrections Centre, while Qiliho is held at the Naboro Corrections Centre.
Bainimarama is accused of making unwarranted demands to Rusiate Tudravu between May 21, 2021, and August 18, 2021. He allegedly demanded that Tudravu terminate the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu from the Fiji Police Force, or resign if he did not comply. This demand was said to be related to Bainimarama’s official capacity as Prime Minister, aimed at influencing Tudravu in his duties as Acting Commissioner of Police.
Qiliho is alleged to have reviewed Tudravu’s disciplinary decisions against Sergeant Ratei and Police Constable Naulu between August 5 and August 18, 2021, and contrary to those decisions, terminated their employment, thus abusing his office and affecting the rights of the officers.
The trial will run from June 2 to July 11, 2025.