The case involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has been transferred to the High Court for trial.

The two appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning. 

Both accused elected to have their case heard in the High Court after charges were amended and legal discussions between the State and defence counsel.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku indicated that the State is not withdrawing the charges and supported the transfer, noting that the seriousness of the allegations warrants consideration by the higher court. 

Defence Counsel Devanesh Sharma did not object to the amended charges. 

Magistrate Prasad formally ordered the case to be transferred.

The state has also filed full disclosures. 

It is alleged that Bainimarama, between the 1st of January 2023 and the 31st of July 2023 in Suva, sent Viber messages to Brigadier General Manoa Gadai in his attempt to incite him to take over command and overthrow the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai.

It is also alleged that they jointly spoke to Lt Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura, Colonel Viliame Draunibaka and others, in their joint attempt to incite and unlawfully arrest and take over the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. 

The matter is set for the first call in the High Court on the 5th of June.