In a significant development, former Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has been sentenced to a year in prison for attempting to pervert the course of justice. The sentencing took place in the capital Suva by Acting High Court of Fiji Chief Justice Salesi Temo. Alongside Bainimarama, Suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho also received a 2-year prison sentence for abuse of office.
Bainimarama, who led the Fijian government for 16 years, faced charges related to interfering in a police investigation during his tenure as prime minister. The case revolved around allegations of financial mismanagement at the University of the South Pacific, a prominent institution owned by 12 Pacific Island nations.
Prosecutors accused Bainimarama and Qiliho of prematurely halting a police investigation into the university's financial affairs, which had been ongoing for a decade. Despite initial acquittals by a lower court judge, an appeal led to their conviction by the High Court.
Following the sentencing, Bainimarama's legal team expressed intentions to appeal the decision. However, their request for bail pending the appeal process was denied by Chief Justice Temo. Consequently, Bainimarama was taken into custody by the police and transported to a prison outside Suva.
The case has drawn attention due to Bainimarama's long-standing political career, which began with a military coup in 2006 and transitioned into democratic leadership in subsequent years. His successor, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, also has a history of seizing power through a coup in 1987.
The sentencing of a former prime minister underscores the commitment to upholding the rule of law in Fiji and sends a strong message about accountability for those in positions of power.
