The High Court has quashed the State’s application to hold the former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho in remand, pending an appeal hearing.
Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo said both Bainimarama and Qiliho have never breached bail conditions placed on them in the Magistrate Court and have always appeared in Court when their matters were called.
State lawyer Laisani Tabuakuro made the application in Court.
The Court has set a timetable for all parties to adhere to
Justice Temo has ordered that the State file its submission no later than 10 April 2024, before 4pm and thereafter the defence has till 24 April to respond to the State and file their oral submission.
The State has to give its Right of Reply on 29 April.
The hearing date has been set for 2 May at 10:30 am.
Bainimarama was granted an absolute discharge in the case by Magistrate Seini Puamau while Qiliho has been fined $1,500 and this has to be paid within 30 days.
Resident-Magistrate Puamau had announced that both their convictions would not be registered.
