FORMER Fijian military strongman Frank Bainimarama escaped jail time today after a second corruption conviction.
He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, but this was suspended for three years.
With two convictions in 12 months, Bainimarama is unlikely to be able to contest the elections scheduled for next year.
He was convicted for making unwarranted demands with menace in 2021.
His demands led to the dismissal of police officers Penieli Ratei and Tomasi Naulu.
Previously he was convicted for interfering in investigations at the University of the South Pacific.
Bainimarama led a coup in 2006, promising to end corruption in Fiji.