Defence counsel Devanesh Sharma told the Fiji Court of Appeal today that the Magistrates Court had ample material to base its decision in the case involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho.
While responding to State lawyer Nancy Tikoisuva’s submission, Sharma emphasised that there is nothing unreasonable or perverse about the court’s decision to convict the two.
Tikoisuva had earlier argued that Magistrate Seini Puamau made assumptions and inferences without further questioning witnesses during the abuse of office trial.
She claimed that the Magistrate speculated on the evidence, particularly concerning the number of USP investigations, leading to an appeal based on perceived assumptions about key witnesses without concrete evidence.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had appealed the matter following the acquittal of Bainimarama and Qiliho by the Suva Magistrates Court.
Bainimarama was charged with one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice, while Qiliho was charged with one count of abuse of office.
The matter will be recalled on 14 March, 2024 for judgement.
