Former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama was found guilty yesterday of making an “unwarranted demand to a public official”.
The verdict follows the ruling by High Court judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe regarding Bainamarama’s attempt to influence police disciplinary actions during his tenure.
In the same case, the High Court found former police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho not guilty of abuse of office.
The case arose from incidents that occurred between May and August 2021 involving two police officers, Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu, who received relatively light disciplinary penalties after taking photos of Jonacani Bainimarama, the brother of the former PM, and circulating the images on Viber with labels which would indicate his involvement in “drug trafficking”.
Bainimarama went on to pressure then acting police commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, after receiving a call from the victim, to terminate the officers’ employment or face resignation. However, Mr Qiliho later overruled the disciplinary decision, opting to fire the officers.
In his judgment, Justice Rajasinghe stated the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Bainimarama had no authority to demand the termination of the police officers and that his demands were unwarranted.
“Mr Bainimarama had no authority to demand that police officers be terminated,” Justice Rajasinghe said.
Evidence from former defence minister Inia Seruiratu also supported Mr Tudravu’s testimony that he was advised to remain calm and negotiate with Bainimarama before resigning on August 11, 2021.
Justice Rajasinghe emphasised that under the Constitution, the Prime Minister does not have the authority to remove the Police Commissioner or Acting Police Commissioner.
The judge dismissed allegations that Mr Qiliho’s actions in overruling the termination were unlawful or arbitrary, as the prosecution failed to prove otherwise.
The case marks the first time an individual in Fiji has been prosecuted under the offence (unwarranted demand to a public official).
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2025.
