Kirisitiana Uluwai 
Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Devanesh Sharma and suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho
The State is basing its attempt to establish a connection between former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho in the USP investigation on a single piece of evidence.
Defense attorney Devanesh Sharma, presenting his argument for a no-case-to-answer submission, contended that the State’s reliance rests on hearsay evidence and a brief statement attributed to Bainimarama.
According to this statement, Bainimarama allegedly conveyed to former Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu: “Oh! I suggested earlier to Tuks to stay away from the investigation.”
These assertions pertain to Bainimarama facing a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice, while Qiliho faces a charge of abuse of office.
Sharma argued that the evidence presented indicates that Tudravu sought Bainimarama’s opinion during a National Security Council meeting concerning the USP investigation.
The interpretation of Bainimarama’s reference to “Tuks” and whether it pertained to Qiliho, along with the potential concern about a conflict of interest in relation to the USP investigation, remains open-ended.
Magistrate Seini Puamau announced her intention to review court records of Tudravu’s cross-examination.
The State’s legal representative, David Toganivalu, asserts that the prosecution has successfully demonstrated a compelling case to answer.
Puamau will deliver her ruling on the no-case-to-answer submission on September 5th.
Related Stories:
Court to hear oral submissions in Bainimarama and Qiliho case
Court to rule on no case to answer
Sharma files no case to answer, judgement next Monday
Neiko aware of Qiliho’s concern
Defence to file no case to answer in Bainimarama and Qiliho trial
Neiko tells of phone conversation
Tribunal to investigate former Police Commissioner
Defence considers filing no case to answer in Bainimarama and Qiliho trial
New revelations in Qiliho, Bainimarama case
Bainimarama and Qiliho trial resumes
Qiliho alleged to have stopped USP investigation
Fourth witness to take stand in Bainimarama, Qiliho trial
Tudravu testifies in Bainimarama, Qiliho trial
USP Council opted for BDO instead of FICAC: Witness
FICAC investigated mismanagement of funds at USP
No idea about leaked report: Witness
First witness to continue evidence in Bainimarama and Qiliho trial
Witness testifies on mismanagement complaint by union leaders
USP director testifies about alleged mismanagement and interference
First witness takes stand in Bainimarama, Qiliho trial
Bainimarama and Qiliho to stand trial
