Bainimarama to be sentenced at 2.30 this afternoon

Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who has been found guilty as the first person to make an unwarranted demand to a public official, will be sentenced this afternoon.

Bainimarama was found guilty on the 2nd of October, while former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho was acquitted after being found not guilty.

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 menace to the 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.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Laisani Tabuakuro says the former Prime Minister should receive a custodial sentence, while defence counsel Devanesh Sharma argues that a conviction is sufficient in this matter.

The maximum penalty for the charge of making an unwarranted demand by a public official is 12 years imprisonment.

Sentencing is scheduled for 2.30 this afternoon.