17 Sep 2022

Fiji leader's son facing domestic violence charges in Sydney

9:55 am on 17 September 2022

The son of Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is facing criminal charges in Australia over domestic violence-related allegations.

Meli Bainimarama, 36, was charged in the Windsor Court in Sydney with 17 offences related to domestic violence, including five charges of assault resulting in bodily harm, stalking, common assault, and destroying or damaging property.

The offences alleged happened between February and May of 2022 in Sydney.

Meli Bainimarama was arrested in Queensland last week and extradited to New South Wales the next day.

Symbol of law and justice in the empty courtroom, law and justice concept, court

Photo: ikiryo/123RF

He was granted bail.

An interim suppression order, granted last Saturday, was lifted today.

Meli Bainimarama did not appear in person and his lawyer appeared via audio link.