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
