Fiji’s former Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, and suspended police commissioner, Sitiveni Qiliho, are being sentenced at the Magistrates Court in Suva. Bainimarama, a former military commander and coup leader, faces up to five years in jail, while Qiliho faces up to 10 years. Both were found guilty of separate charges by the High Court in March. A heavy police presence is observed, with a crowd gathered outside the courthouse. Bainimarama arrived with his wife, Mary, while Qiliho came with his lawyer. Magistrate Seini Puamau warned against disruptions in court. Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew urged orderliness, emphasizing respect for the legal process. Legal counsels for Bainimarama and Qiliho requested leniency, countered by the prosecution seeking custodial sentences. The sentencing hearing, lasting over three hours, witnessed courtroom adjournments due to disruptions.
By FCCT Editorial Team
, an independent military force, and allied militias in Sudan raped several dozen women and girls in West Darfur’s capital, El Geneina, and those fleeing to Chad between late April and late June 2023, Human Rights Watch said today. The assailants appear to have targeted people because of their Massalit ethnicity and, in some cases, because they were known activists.){kind=link}