Abuse of office trial of Bainimarama and Qiliho adjourned to tomorrow

The abuse of office trial of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has been adjourned to tomorrow.

The two appeared before Suva High Court Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has asked for the case to be adjourned as State Counsel Laisani Tabuakoro is unwell.

Defence counsel Gul Fatima was also excused as well due to being sick.

State Counsel Pooja Mishra also indicated to the court that an extraction process is currently underway on Bainimarama's old phone.

Mishra says they still have 5 witnesses remaining.

Defence Counsel Devanesh Sharma asked the court that they could be given some time as the State is springing new things upon them so that they can prepare.

Justice Rajasinghe then assured Sharma that they will be given time to counter.

It is alleged that Bainimarama, between the 21st of May 2021 to the 18th of August 2021 in Suva, as the Prime Minister of Fiji made an unwarranted demand with menance to the then Acting Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, by threatening his employment to influence the Acting COMPOL to comply with his unwarranted demand for the termination of the employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu who came under the supervision and authority of the Commissioner of Police.

It is alleged that between the 5th to the 18th of August 2021 in Suva, whilst being employed as the Commissioner of Police, Qiliho directed the termination of employment of Sergeant Penieli Ratei and Police Constable Tomasi Naulu without due process, which was an abuse of office of his authority as the Commissioner of Police, and the termination was prejudicial to the rights of Ratei and Naulu.