Fiji’s Ex-Prime Minister Avoids Jail Time Despite Guilty Verdict
Former prime minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji managed to avoid jail time despite being found guilty of obstruction of justice while leading the South Pacific island nation. The verdict was related to his involvement in quashing a police investigation into alleged corruption at Fiji’s University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Sentencing Hearing and Outcome
During a sentencing hearing in Suva, magistrate Seini Puamau decided that Bainimarama would not serve time behind bars due to his medical history. Puamau noted that the offense was deemed less severe, with no indication that Bainimarama had acted for personal gain.
Details of the Case
Bainimarama was found guilty of perverting the course of justice by instructing the police to stop an investigation into suspicious bonus payments, promotions, and pay raises within the university.
Legal Ramifications
Bainimarama’s police chief and close ally Sitiveni Qiliho was also found guilty of abuse of office in connection with the case. Qiliho was spared jail time but was ordered to pay a fine of $1,500 within 30 days.
Background on Bainimarama
The 69-year-old former naval commodore came to power through a bloodless coup in 2006 and governed Fiji until he was ousted in December 2022. His legal troubles escalated after his successor, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, took office.
Subsequent Legal Issues
In February 2023, parliament suspended Bainimarama until 2026 following a speech critical of Rabuka. A year later, he faced two additional abuse-of-office charges, one related to the alleged wrongful dismissal of two police officers in 2021 and the other concerning the waiving of a tender bid without lawful justification during his tenure as finance minister in 2011.