Laisenia Qarase was the former Prime Minister of Fiji. The young lad took advantage of his strict religious upbringing to focus on his education, successfully graduating from a prestigious university in a foreign country. Returning to his homeland, Qarase soon began a stellar career in the banking industry. After a series of promotions to head both commercial and government financial institutions, he was appointed to the Senate. After a short stint in the senate, Qarase assumed the reins of power briefly following a destabilizing coup attempt. A year later, this leader marshaled his political forces and his party swept the democratic elections, launching him into the position of the Prime Minister. During his time in power, this politician emphasized greater representation and leadership for his own ethnic group while simultaneously courting cordial relations with foreign countries amenable to his liberalized economic policies. After a successful parliamentary re-election, Qarase's government was overthrown in a military coup. He was then continually harassed by his opponents and was ultimately convicted on corruption charges that many independent observers classify as political persecution.