FIJI’S former prime minister Frank Bainimarama was granted bail today, after pleading not guilty to a charge of abusing power.

Bainimarama, 68, had led Fiji since a bloodless coup in 2006 until voters removed him from power in an election last December.

Having spent the night in custody, he appeared at Suva magistrates’ court alongside key ally and police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who also pleaded not guilty.

Qiliho was suspended from his role as police commissioner in January.

The court heard that the pair had been granted bail of 10,000 Fijian dollars each (RM20,200). 

Magistrate Seini Puamau ordered the two not to interfere with any prosecution witnesses.

Under the bail conditions, they must surrender travel documents and not leave the country without the court’s permission.

The next hearing is due to take place on May 11.

Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Bainimarama vowed to fight the charge.

“I served as Fiji prime minister with integrity and with the best interests of all Fijians,” he insisted.

The charges relate to a police investigation into staff members at Fiji’s University of the South Pacific in July 2019.

It is alleged that Bainimarama and Qiliho used their influence to have the investigation terminated.

Fiji’s police have said they are further investigating the case.

State prosecutors have warned more charges may be laid against other suspects. – AFP, March 10, 2023.