Tag results for: Fiji

Former Fijian Prime Minister and Suspended Police Chief Appear in Court to Contest Appeal

Former Fijian Prime Minister (PM) Frank Bainimarama and suspended Fijian National Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho appeared in court on April 3rd. They appeared in front of Acting Chief Justice Selasi Temo of the High Court due to the Prosecutor’s Office appealing the sentences handed to them last week. Bainimarama and Qiliho were let off “without conviction” by Magistrate Seini Puamau...

Fijian Court Passes Light Sentences to Former Prime Minister, Suspended Police Chief

The former Fijian Prime Minister (PM) Frank Bainimarama received “an absolute discharge” from Suva’s Magistrates Court on March 28th. The judge, Magistrate Seini Puamau, reportedly said the sentence was due to Bainmarama’s health. An absolute discharge is “the lowest-level sentence that an offender can get” from any conviction in Fiji and means that Bainmarama will have no conviction on his...

Fiji PM Removes Chinese Police Claiming They Are No Longer Needed

Prime Minister (PM) of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka made Chinese police leave his country, claiming they are no longer necessary for a Pacific police force on Wednesday, March 27th. Despite the removal, he has not discarded the agreement with the Chinese and allowed senior Fiji police officers to train in China. Chinese police were also embedded with local police. PM Rabuka came...

Chinese Communist Party Leveraging Organized Crime Groups in South Pacific

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been known to leverage organised crime figures to support its United Front Work Department (UFWD) efforts. These ties can be used to advance CCP's agenda by extending its reach and influence beyond traditional political channels. This week, Australia’s  Nine media organisation, aided by Australian intelligence sources, identifies Zhao Fugang, owner of the Yue Lai hotel...

Fiji Court Overturns Not Guilty Verdicts for Former PM and Police Commissioner

The High Court of Fiji ruled that former Prime Minister (PM) Frank Bainimarama and suspended National Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho are guilty of corruption charges on March 14th. The former PM was found guilty of one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice, and the police chief was found guilty of one count of abuse of office. The...

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New Regulations Indicates China Will Detain Individuals Illegally Entering Maritime Territory

On May 15th, the China Coast Guard (CCG) posted a statement on its website announcing Decree No. 3, or the Regulations on Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures for Coast Guard Agencies. The statement said the...

EU Training Mission in Mali Ends Mandate After 11 Years

The European Union Training Mission (EUTM) in Mali has concluded its operations after 11 years in the country, following a discussion with Malian authorities, the mission's website states. What You Need to Know: Beginning its...

A Look at South Africa and Israel’s Oral Arguments in the Emergency ICJ Hearing

Earlier on May 16th, South Africa presented their oral arguments in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the first hearing on their requested emergency provisional measures against Israel for Israel's recent operations in...