By MONIKA SINGH
Former prime minister and FijiFirst party leader Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho were released on bail by the Suva Magistrate’s Court today.
The duo have been charged with offences relating to alleged abuse of office regarding the unlawful termination of two police officers in 2021.
According to the Fijivillage Magistrate Jeremiah Savou set the bail conditions which include two sureties each, $10,000 bail bond each, a stop departure and no interference with witnesses.
Fijivillage reported that Bainimarama is charged with unwarranted demands made by a public official while Qiliho is charged with two counts of abuse of office.
It is alleged that Bainimarama, between 21st May 2021 to 18th August 2021, while being employed as a public official, made an unwarranted demand with menaces of Rusiate Tudravu when he told Mr Tudravu to terminate the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Sergeant Tomasi Naulu with the Fiji Police Force and that if he did not terminate the officers that he was to hand in his resignation.
According to a report on FBC News it is alleged that between the 5th to the 18th day of August 2021, Qiliho, being employed in the civil service as the Commissioner of Police, reviewed the disciplinary decision made by Mr Tudravu as the Acting Commissioner of Police against Naulu which was a fine equivalent to two working days pay and contrary to this decision he terminated the employment of the two officers.
The case was adjourned to March 19.
Bainimarama and Qiliho are represented by Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima.
