Frank Bainimarama and Sitiveni Qiliho Photo: AFP / Leon Lord
The sentencing of Fiji's former prime minister Frank Bainimarama is taking place at the Magistrates Court in the capital Suva.
Bainimarama, an ex-military commander and a coup leader, will be sentenced alongside suspended police commissioner - also an ex-military officer - Sitiveni Qiliho.
The former PM was found guilty guilty of one count of attempt to pervert the course of justice and Qiliho was found guilty of one count of abuse of office by the High Court on 14 March.
Bainimarama is facing up to five years in jail while Qiliho is facing up to 10 years.
There is a heavy police presence and a large crowd has gathered outside the court house precincts.
Bainimarama arrived to the court with his wife, Mary, as his family and supporters were waiting outside Magistrates Court room 3, while Qiliho arrived with his lawyer.
fijivillage.com reports Magistrate Seini Puamau said at the end of the case, there is to be no shouting, booing, jeering or anything as such.
Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew called for Fijians to maintain order ahead of the sentencing which stated at 11.00am local time.
"Our focus is on ensuring there are no disturbances or disruptions and reiterate the call to respect the rule of law and let the court process take its course," he said.
MaiTV reports the two men's legal counsel sought leniency when presenting their submission last Thursday.
Their lawyer prposed "non-custodial sentences, a submission the prosecution represented by acting DPP Laisani Tabuakuro opposed, arguing for immediate custodial sentences toward the higher end of the tariff range", according to MaiTV's report.
The senting hearing went over three hours, in a packed courtroom before Magistrate Seini Puamau, the report said.
"The court was adjourned twice, one lasting for about five minutes after the prosecution counsel disrupted the defense counsel's submission to caution the court to stay within the bounds of the high court ruling and what it accepts to be facts of the case."
