Lawyers for former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho have promised to file an appeal, adding their clients were tough.
Speaking to the media following the sentencing, defence lawyer Devanesh Sharma said the fight was not over yet.
“My clients are very tough and have been in far worse situations than this,” said Mr Sharma.
“It’s quite a process and at the end of the day, we have options and this fight is not over yet.
“They had the right to appeal and we have the right to appeal as well.”
Mr Sharma said their appeal would be against the conviction of the two men.
“Let’s be practical, the sentencing is on the very low end. Our appeal is more against the conviction.”
Despite the jail sentences, Mr Sharma remained optimistic about the resilience of his clients.
“You have a 12-month prison sentence. Under the laws of this country, you serve two-thirds of that sentence and you can apply for early release.
“So, it’s not as if my clients will be in there for a long period of time.
“They will come out and back into public life and back to their families.”
