Pacific / Fiji

In pictures: ex-Fiji PM Frank Bainimarama 'on top of the world' after sentencing

16:35 pm on 28 March 2024

Bainimarama embraced by a supporter. Photo: RNZ Pacific

The former military commander and 2006 coup leader was found guilty of perverting the course of justice in a case related to the University of the South Pacific by the High Court last week.

Magistrate Seini Puamau sentenced Bainimarama alongside suspended police commissioner Sitiveni Qilho, who had been found guilty for abuse of office. Qiliho was fined without conviction.

Bainimarama is the leader of the opposition FijiFirst Party and was Fiji's democratically elected leader in 2014 and in 2018. He lost the December 2022 election.

Here are some pictures from his sentencing in Suva on Thursday.

Bainimarama, middle, arrives to court with his wife, Mary, right, for the sentencing. Photo: RNZ Pacific

Bainimarama's family outside the Magistrates Court arrived early for the sentencing on Thursday. Photo: RNZ Pacific

There was a heavy police presence at the court house in Suva. Photo: RNZ Pacific

Qiliho waits outside the Magistrates Court. Photo: RNZ Pacific

Supporters of Bainimarama and Qiliho crammed outside the Magistrates Court in Suva. Photo: RNZ Pacific

Supporters of Bainimarama and Qiliho outside the court house. Photo: RNZ Pacific

People line up outside Magistrates Court where Bainimarama and Qiliho's sentencing is taking place. Photo: RNZ Pacific

Bainimarama in a more jovial mood after being granted an absolute discharge without a conviction. Photo: RNZ Pacific

Bainimarama's family members and FijiFirst MPs and supporters outside the court house after he was granted an absolute discharge - meaning his conviction was not registered. Photo: RNZ Pacific

All smiles - Bainimarama surrounded by his supporters after being granted an absolute discharge without conviction. Photo: RNZ Pacific

As Baimarama walked out of the court room, he was embraced by his family and supporters. Responding to a journalist's question on how he was feeling, he replied: "On top of the world". Photo: RNZ Pacific