Bainimarama, Qiliho deny inciting mutiny charges

Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho have pleaded not guilty to charges alleging attempts to undermine the leadership of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).

The pair appeared before judge Justice Daniel Goundar at the High Court in Suva today, where the court was informed that all disclosures had been served on the defence.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku appeared for the State, while Bainimarama and Qiliho were represented by lawyers Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima.

The defence asked for more time to review the prosecution material while discussions were held on setting a trial timetable.

However, Justice Goundar said that he may not be the judge assigned to hear the trial and directed that the matter proceed first to a pre-trial conference.

It is alleged that the two men jointly attempted to persuade the officers to unlawfully arrest and remove the authority of the RFMF Commander, Major-General Jone Kalouniwai.

Bainimarama is alleged to have sent Viber messages to Brigadier-General Manoa Gadai between January and July 2023 in an attempt to persuade him to assume command of the military and remove the authority of RFMF Commander Major-General Jone Kalouniwai.

The prosecution further alleges that Bainimarama and Qiliho jointly approached several senior military officers, including Lieutenant-Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura and Colonel Viliame Draunibaka, in July 2023 in an attempt to encourage the unlawful arrest of the Commander and assume control of his authority.

Both accused remain on bail under existing conditions.

The matter was adjourned to July 17 for a pre-trial conference.