As reported by ABC Pacific, former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji has been sentenced to one year in jail after being convicted of perverting the course of justice. Bainimarama, who led Fiji for 16 years, faced the country’s High Court in the capital Suva on Thursday. The conviction is linked to Bainimarama’s involvement in influencing a police investigation into the funding of the University of the South Pacific, the region’s largest university, in 2019.
The courtroom fell silent as the sentence was read out, with Bainimarama subsequently being led out in handcuffs, surrounded by police, and into a waiting police van. Despite the gravity of the situation, Bainimarama remained composed, offering no visible reaction. However, his wife, who was present by his side, was visibly distraught, breaking down in tears.
Bainimarama’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the verdict after their attempt to secure bail for the former prime minister was rejected by the High Court. Security measures were notably heightened, with a heavy police presence both inside and outside the court premises, reflecting the significance of the proceedings.
Outside the court, a small group of supporters gathered, expressing their solidarity with Bainimarama. Despite his conviction, Bainimarama continues to command strong support in certain segments of the community. However, Thursday’s conviction marks just one in a series of legal challenges faced by the former military coup leader since his ousting from office following the December 2022 general elections.