State amends charges in Bainimarama, Qiliho alleged mutiny plot case

The State has formally amended charges and outlined new details of the alleged plot by former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho to incite mutiny within military.

Appearing before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad today, State prosecutor and Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku told the court that the second count against the accused had been clarified to specify the alleged conduct.

Mr Rabuku said the amended charge now states that between July 1 and July 31, 2023, in Suva, Bainimarama and Qiliho allegedly approached several senior Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) officers.

The officers were Lieutenant Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura and Colonel Viliame Draunibaka.

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.

The amended charge was presented in court without objection from the defence.

Earlier in the same sitting, the court was informed that the matter will be transferred to the High Court for trial following an election by the accused.

Mr Rabuku confirmed that full disclosures have already been served on the defence.

While there are no confessions from either Bainimarama or Qiliho, Mr Rabuku said the State believes it has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

The court also heard details relating to the first count, in which Bainimarama is accused of sending Viber messages to Brigadier General Manoa Gadai earlier in 2023, allegedly in an attempt to influence a takeover of command within the RFMF.

Both Bainimarama and Qiliho remain on bail, which has now been extended.

The matter has been adjourned to June 5.