Fiji's Former PM Bainimarama, Ex-Police Chief Qiliho Charged with Inciting Mutiny
Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho have been charged with inciting mutiny in Fiji. The charges follow questioning at the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in Suva.
Allegations of Inciting Mutiny
Prosecutors allege that Mr. Bainimarama and Mr. Qiliho encouraged senior officers of the Fiji Military Forces to act against the current military commander, Jone Kalouniwai.
This alleged encouragement reportedly occurred during a meeting in July 2023 at Mr. Bainimarama's residence in Suva, the capital.
Mr. Bainimarama faces an additional charge. He is accused of sending text messages via the Viber application to a senior officer, allegedly urging the officer to assume command during the military's first parade of 2023. Inciting mutiny is an offense under Fiji's Crimes Act.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Both individuals were arrested on Monday after initially undergoing questioning at the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in Suva. Acting Police Commissioner Mesake Waqa had confirmed the initial questioning pertained to allegations of mutiny.
Mr. Bainimarama and Mr. Qiliho remained in custody overnight and are scheduled for a court appearance on Thursday.
Background of Former PM Bainimarama
Mr. Bainimarama led Fiji for 16 years, having taken power in a 2006 coup. He subsequently lost office in the 2022 general election.