Acting Chief Justice, Salesi Temo will preside over former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho’s case.

High Court Judge Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu told the court during the first hearing at the High Court in Suva yesterday.

Justice Bulamainaivalu said yesterday’s sitting was for administrational procedures and the matter would be heard by Justice Temo on December 4.

Defence counsel, Devanesh Sharma said he had only received court records for the trial yesterday morning and that they would reserve their rights to discuss their consideration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) accordingly.

Both counsel agreed that the date was suitable for them.

Mr Sharma said he would be filing a preliminary application pertaining to the Acting DPP, John Rabuku’s appeal against their vindication. They have issues with Mr Rabuku because he was Qiliho’s lawyer during his questioning in the past.

Mr Sharma will write about this and other rising concerns to the ODPP.

Bainimarama was charged with one count of attempt to pervert the course of justice while Qiliho was charged with one count of abuse of office.

They were acquitted after their trial on October 12.

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