Fiji’s High Court handed down a verdict on Thursday, convicting former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama for obstructing an investigation into corruption allegations at a Fijian university, resulting in a one-year prison sentence.
Bainimarama, utilizing his political authority, was found guilty of halting a police inquiry into accusations of corruption at the university. Initially spared imprisonment during the initial sentencing last month, a subsequent appeal reversed the decision.
Acting Chief Justice of Fiji, Salesi Temo, reprimanded Bainimarama for disregarding his sworn duties. Nonetheless, his sentence was mitigated due to compelling character references provided by two former Fijian presidents.
A former military commander who seized power in a bloodless coup in 2006, Bainimarama faced the court’s verdict amid supportive chants from his followers gathered outside. Following the sentencing, Bainimarama was handcuffed and taken away in a police vehicle.
The case against Bainimarama stemmed from a 2020 police investigation into staff members at Fiji’s University of the South Pacific, implicating him and his close ally, Sitiveni Qiiho, the nation’s former police chief. Allegations emerged regarding suspicious bonus payments, salary increases, and promotions.
Bainimarama and Qiliho maintain their innocence amidst the accusations.
