Fiji Mutiny Allegations: Bainimarama and Qiliho Plea Deferred

Suva, Fiji – The plea hearing for former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, facing charges of inciting mutiny, has been postponed. The delay is due to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) requiring additional time to serve full disclosures of evidence to the defense.

Case Background

Bainimarama and Qiliho appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad on Thursday, March 5, 2026. While DPP lawyer Luisa Latu requested the court to proceed with the plea, Magistrate Prasad ruled that the disclosures must be served first Fiji Village, Fiji Live, News USA Today.

Latu explained that adverse weather conditions in the Western Division have hindered the delivery of crucial information from the police. The matter has been adjourned to March 19th and bail has been extended for both Bainimarama and Qiliho Fiji Village.

Allegations

The charges stem from alleged actions taken between January 1, 2023, and July 31, 2023. Prosecutors allege that Bainimarama attempted to incite Brigadier General Manoa Gadai to overthrow the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai, through Viber messages sent from Suva News USA Today.

Bainimarama and Qiliho are also accused of jointly attempting to incite senior military officers – including Lt Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura, and Colonel Viliame Draunibaka – to unlawfully arrest and supplant the command of Major General Kalouniwai News USA Today.

Previous Allegations

According to a judgment and sentence document from May 9, 2024, Bainimarama was also accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice between July 2020 and September 2020 by instructing Sitiveni Qiliho, then Commissioner of Police, to stay away from investigations related to the University of the South Pacific (USP) ODPP.

The case continues to unfold, with the next hearing scheduled for March 19th.