Former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama Sentenced to Prison
Former prime minister of Fiji, Frank Bainimarama, was sentenced to a year in prison for perverting the course of justice. The sentence was handed down at Fiji’s High Court in the capital Suva after Bainimarama was found guilty of shutting down a police investigation into alleged corruption at a Fijian university.
Fall from Grace
Bainimarama, a former military commander who seized power in a bloodless coup in 2006, remains a popular figure in Fiji. However, his recent conviction marks a significant fall from grace for the once-powerful leader.
Supporters of Bainimarama gathered outside the court as the sentence was announced. He was then handcuffed and taken away in a police truck.
Bainimarama’s wife, Maria, was visibly emotional throughout the sentencing remarks delivered by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
A lower-court magistrate had previously cited Bainimarama’s health issues as a reason to avoid imprisonment, but this decision was overturned by Temo. The judge emphasized the severity of Bainimarama’s actions and criticized him for betraying his oaths of office.
Despite character references from two former Fijian presidents, Bainimarama’s sentence was upheld. His close ally, former police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, also received a two-year prison term in connection with the same case.
Background of the Case
The charges against Bainimarama and Qiliho stem from a police investigation into alleged misconduct at Fiji’s University of the South Pacific. Reports suggest that university staff attempted to expose irregularities in bonus payments and promotions within the institution, only to have the investigation thwarted by the accused.
Both Bainimarama and Qiliho maintain their innocence in the face of these allegations. However, their legal troubles continue to escalate following political changes in Fiji.
In the aftermath of a general election in 2022, Bainimarama’s grip on power weakened, leading to his suspension from parliament in 2023. Subsequent charges of abuse of office have further tarnished his reputation and legal standing.