Truth Always Prevails, Says Former PM
Suspended Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho was not guilty of abuse of office after Magistrate Puamau said there was no evidence to suggest that he ruled the Fiji Police Force in a theatrical manner.
Friday 13 October 2023 | 08:42
Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (wearing hat), and suspended Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho (left) with their lawyer Devanesh Sharma, outside the Suva Magistrates Court on October 12, 2023. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Cheers and applause filled the air inside and outside the Magistrates Court in Suva yesterday as former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama walked free of charges linked to perverting the cause of justice.
The truth always prevails, he told a crowd of around 100 supporters who stood around the Court precinct.
He thanked Magistrate Seini Puamau for “breaking the confusion put in place by the CID team” in the “trumped up charges.”
Related stories
Magistrate Puamau said Bainimarama remained unshaken in cross examination.
She said she was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of the fact that Mr Bainimarama had suggested to Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho to stay away from the USP investigation.
Magistrate Puamua said his comment was not consistent of an act which had the tendency to pervert the administration of justice.
“Suggesting to the commissioner to firstly stay away from the investigation and leave it to his officers to undertake that task, while he focusses on the bigger picture, is not an act capable of constituting an attempt to pervert the cause of justice,” Magistrate Puamau said.
Bainimarama’s wife, Mary, was in tears as she hugged him inside the crowded courtroom. The couple were joined by their two daughters, Bernadette and RubyAnn.
Suspended Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho was not guilty of abuse of office after Magistrate Puamau said there was no evidence to suggest that he ruled the Fiji Police Force in a theatrical manner.
“I find the second defendant to be competent.... from his answers, he is clearly a principled man.... He’s credible and worthy of belief,” she said.
Outside court, Qiliho was asked if he was going back to work.
“That is the role of the Constitutional Officers (Commission), but for now, I just want to thank my Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
“I am going home to say my prayers.”
A moment of silence was observed for the late acting Director Public Prosecutions David Toganivalu, who was buried at his home ground in Bau at the weekend.
The State was represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lee Burney and prosecutor, Nimisha Shankar.
Bainimarama and Qiliho were represented by Devanesh Sharma and Gul Fatima.
Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj
