The woman attacked by Ratu Meli Bainimarama, son of Fiji’s former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama, has spoken out after he was sentenced to 28 months in jail for a series of domestic violence offences in Sydney, Australia.
Meli, was sentenced before a Parammatta Court yesterday to 28 months in jail with a non-parole period of 14 months, according to an ABC News report.
Known as “Tongan Tracey” on social media, she shared her thoughts online after the sentencing, writing: “Thank you to all my Fijian family friends that supported me through the last two years of my court proceedings. I love you so much. To every woman that suffered… let that be a lesson to those who think they’re untouchable due to high profile or status. To all the women who suffered at the hands of Meli Bainimarama, I just want you to know that this one is for you.”
According to the ABC report, the Bainimarama admitted to charges including choking, assault occasioning bodily harm, and distributing an intimate image. The abuse began in early 2022 during a brief relationship, culminating in attacks that left the victim with a ruptured eardrum and partial hearing loss. It also reported that Bainimarama had a history of domestic violence, including offences committed against another woman in 2023 while he was on bail. Although he reportedly completed anger management courses and expressed remorse, presiding judge Magistrate Timothy Khoo highlighted his repeated violent behaviour during sentencing.
Bainimarama will be eligible for release in January 2026.
