Bainimarama and Qiliho Case Adjourned to March 24

The case involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has been adjourned to March 24th.

The two appeared before Magistrate Jeremiah Savou today in relation to allegations of abuse of office and unwarranted demands.

Magistrate Savou raised concerns about whether the case should be transferred to the High Court, citing the need for clarification on the definitions of "public service" and "civil service" under the Constitution.

However, both the Director of Public Prosecutions and the defense lawyers requested for the matter to remain in the Magistrates Court.

Bainimarama is facing one count of making an unwarranted demand as a public official, while Qiliho has been charged with two counts of abuse of office.

It is alleged that between May and August 2021, Bainimarama pressured then-Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu to dismiss two police officers.

Meanwhile, Qiliho is accused of terminating the officers’ employment, disregarding Tudravu’s disciplinary decision.