Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho have pleaded not guilty to mutiny-related charges in the High Court in Suva.

The two appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar this morning.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku informed the court that information and disclosures had been filed.

Defence counsel Devanesh Sharma confirmed receipt of the disclosures and requested one month to review the material.

It is alleged that between January 1 and July 31, 2023, Bainimarama sent Viber messages to Brigadier General Manoa Gadai in an 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.

The prosecution also alleges that Bainimarama and Qiliho jointly spoke with Lieutenant Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura, Colonel Viliame Draunibaka and others in an attempt to incite the unlawful arrest of the RFMF Commander and take over his authority.

The matter has been adjourned to the 17th of July for a pre-trial conference.