The High Court in Suva has deferred the judgment in the ongoing case against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho to October 2, 2025.
Trial judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe has requested further submissions from both parties on the interpretation of specific sections of the Fijian Constitution.
Mr Bainimarama is charged with one count of unwarranted demands made by a public official. The allegations state that between May 21 and August 18, 2021, he directed then-Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to terminate the services of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Constable Tomasi Naulu. The charge further claims that Bainimarama threatened Tudravu with resignation if he did not comply with the demand to dismiss the two officers.
Mr Qiliho faces two counts of abuse of office, accused of improperly reviewing the disciplinary decision made by Tudravu regarding the same officers, allegedly bypassing proper police protocols.
The State was represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro and Senior State Lawyer Pooja Mishra.
Mr Bainimarama and Mr Qiliho are represented by Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima of R Patel Lawyers.
