Former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has been sentenced to one year in prison for obstructing a police investigation into corruption. Bainimarama, 70, led Fiji for over 15 years until he was voted out in 2022. He was a prominent advocate for climate change action on the international stage, particularly for vulnerable Pacific nations. After the High Court’s ruling on Thursday, he was taken into custody. Last month, he was convicted of perverting the course of justice in a police investigation into university fraud. Prosecutors alleged that he instructed the former Fijian Police Commissioner, his friend, to halt a 2020 investigation into financial irregularities at the University of South Pacific, including alleged bonuses, promotions, and pay increases for staff. While Bainimarama pleaded not guilty, the court in April found that he and the police chief, Sitiveni Qiliho, had abused their power to sideline the university investigation. Initially, Bainimarama was spared jail time, and his conviction was not recorded. However, Fiji’s top prosecutors appealed this decision. On Thursday, the High Court overturned the lower court’s ruling and sentenced both men to prison. Qiliho, suspended from his role, received a two-year sentence. Outside the court, Bainimarama’s supporters sang hymns, while governing politicians praised the verdict. Political analysts have noted the timing of the legal proceedings against Bainimarama, who faces multiple allegations of political misconduct following his defeat in the December 2022 election to current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Last year, as an opposition leader, Bainimarama was suspended from parliament for three years after criticizing the new government in a speech. His political party, FijiFirst, continues to support him, with a senior member stating that he will remain the party leader. A former military commander, Bainimarama initially seized power in a bloodless coup in 2006 and later won democratic elections in 2014 and 2018 to retain office.
By FCCT Editorial Team