Former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho have denied charges of inciting mutiny laid by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Both men pleaded not guilty yesterday before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, who indicated the trial could be held towards the end of this year.
Mr Bainimarama is alleged to have — between January 1 and July 31, 2023 — sent Viber messages in Suva to Brigadier General Manoa Gadai, attempting to incite the latter to take over command or overthrow the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Ro Jone Kalouniwai.
In addition to this, Mr Bainimarama along with Mr Qiliho are alleged to have spoken to Lieutenant Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura, Colonel Viliame Draunibaka, and other senior RFMF officers in Suva, in an attempt to incite them to unlawfully arrest and take over the authority of the RFMF Commander between July 1 and July 31, 2023.
Acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Luisa Latu said the State would require two weeks for the trial, and call 24 witnesses.
The matter will be recalled on May 6 for a pre-trial conference.
