A three-week trial has been scheduled for former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho in the alleged mutiny case before the Suva High Court.

The matter was called before Justice Daniel Goundar this morning, where the court set aside 5th April to 30th April 2027, for the trial.

The State informed the court that it will not rely on any admissions allegedly made during caution interviews with the accused persons.

Prosecution says their case will instead be based on direct evidence and phone records.

The State also indicated that expert witnesses are expected to testify regarding the extraction of data from electronic devices.

The court heard that Bainimarama and Qiliho are expected to call three witnesses in their defence, in addition to giving evidence themselves.

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.

For the second count, it is alleged that Bainimarama and Qiliho between the 1st of July 2023 to the 31st of July, 2023 jointly spoke to Lt Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura, Colonel Viliame Draunibaka and others, who were senior officers of RFMF in their joint attempt to incite the senior officers to unlawfully arrest and take over the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai.

The matter has been adjourned to the 24th of November for a pre-trial conference.