Bainimarama, Qiliho to Appeal Conviction

Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, have been granted leave to appeal against their convictions in a full court proceeding.

The ruling, although not called, was given to the State Prosecution and the defence lawyers yesterday morning. In this appeal, the applicants, Bainimarama and Qiliho appealed against their convictions on grounds that they questioned the application of the law in their case.

They raised questions in relation to the: 

•  misapplication of the Brown V Dunn rule
•  Interpretation of Section 15 (1)(j) and 15 (1)(j) of the Sentencing and Penalties Act and
•  Chief Justice Salesi Temo’s refusal to recuse himself from the case

The court was inclined to allow the questions to be asked in a full court, especially to look for reasons why there was no response from the High Court when the application was made.

The duo’s lawyers Devanesh Sharma and Fatima Gul have asked the court to have the appeal case to be listed in full court during the July session.

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