The decision whether immunity should still be applied to rebel leader George
Speight and his group for offences committed between May 19
and July 13 is the prerogative of the interim government.
The Director if Public Prosecutions is challenging the Immunity Decree granted
to rebel leader George Speight and his group on the
arguement that the then Head of State, Commander Frank Bainimarama, signed it
under duress.
The Mahendra Chaudhry government was still being held hostage when the Muanikau
Accord was signed between the army and the rebels,
according to the DPP. It was signed because of the Commander's concern for public
safety.
During Saturday's hearing at the Suva magistrates Court, the prosecution argued
that Speight and his group were ineligible for immunity
because they did not comply with Decree 18 of the Muanikau Award pertaining
to the return of all arms and ammunition.
Twenty seven firearms are still to be returned to the military. Acting DPP,
Josaia Naguilevu says they are seriously considering lodging an
application before the court in an attempt to scrap the immunity decree. Speight's
lawyers insist their client cannot face charges for offences
committed during the immunity period because the Decree is still in effect.
Speight and 12 close associates face charges of being armed in public to cause
terror, consorting with people carrying firearms, unlawful
burial of rebel supporter, Kolinio Tabua, at the parliament grounds, unlawful
assembly at the parliament complex to establish a Taukei civilian
government and another count of unlawful assembly at the Kalabu Fijian School
to cause further instability in the country.
Those charged are: George Speight, Ilisoni Ligairi, Joseva Savua, Tevita Bukarau,
Jo Nata, Ratu Timoci Silatolu, Samu Konatani, Eroni
Lewagai, Viliame Sausauwai, Jioji Bakoso, Jim Speight, Metuisela Mua and Rusiate
Korovusere.
They have all denied the charges. They will reappear this Friday for the review
of their bail application.
Deposed Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, says he is willing to state publicly
that George Speight is guilty of treason even though he and
his family have received death threats.
Chaudhry hasn't ruled out giving evidence at Speight's trial. He said this
in an interview with the New Zealand Herald after arriving in
Wellington from Sydney yesterday.
Chaudhry spent a week in Sydney receiving medical attention for cracked ribs
after he was beaten by Speight supporters in the first week of
the 56 days he and his colleagues were held hostage at the parliamentary complex.
The former Prime Minister is in New Zealand for a meeting
of the Socialist International organisation.
He is not an official guest of the New Zealand government was met at the airport
by a cabinet minister. He meets the Prime Minister, Helen
Clark this afternoon.
The army has denied allegations it is using excessive force in rounding up
rebels.
Army Spokesman, Major Howard Politini said the media was "hyping"
up the issue.
Speaking on Fiji TV One, Politini said the media should instead concentrate
on the hundreds of people who were brutalised by the rebels.
He said they had come across a lot of suffering in the Northern Division, particularly
the Indian community in Dreketi.
"They had almost succumbed to people walking into their homes and shops
and walking off with whatever they liked."
He said the army had shown a lot of restraint from day one. All diplomatic
avenues are exhausted, including traditional approaches.
This worked in Naibalebale village where the villagers voluntarily handed over
40 people who were responsible for the roadblocks in the
area. Force is used only when necessary, Politini said.
Since the army arrival, tensions have eased. Politini said people were relived to see them. "A red carpet welcome was laid out for us," he said.
The Fiji Electricity Authority and Monasavu landowners meet today for further
talks at the Suva Centra in a bid to solve the Monasavu Hydro
Dam impasse.
An FEA spokesperson described the development as a major step towards solving
the issue.
The landowners have taken over the dam to press claims for a $50m compensation.
One of the mediators in the talks is Naitasiri high chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata.
The FEA wants its workers to be given access to the dam to get hydro back in
line.
It is currently using diesel generators to supply power to Viti Levu, which is more costly.
THE State will not accept any traditional apology from chiefs involved in the
civil unrest in the Northern Division.
Military spokesman Major Howard Politini confirmed the army is cracking down
on lawlessness. "Already the blitz has put behind bars four
chiefs who instigated civil unrest," Major Politini said.
"They are the Vunivalu of Dreketi, Tui Nadogo, Tui Nubu and Ratu Josefa
Dimuri who turned himself in." Major Politini said the army has
sent word out to Natewa high chief Ratu Tevita Vakalalabure and is on the look-out
for him. "No one is above the law.
If you do something wrong you have to be tried by the law," he said. Major
Politini said the traditional forgiveness ceremonies could be
performed by any rebel seeking clemency. But he warned the purging ritual would
not necessarily mean freedom.
Labasa rebel leader Lieutenant Rupeni Vosayaco, who led the revolt against
the army at the Sukanaivalu Barracks, was arrested in Savusavu.
"The major culprits are in custody but there are still others out there
who have to be arrested and questioned." Additionally, 140 people are in
custody at the Labasa police barracks.
Major Politini said the remaining three-day emergency decree to detain rebels
could be extended should the circumstances arise. "However,
the problem we have here is resources - to keep additional rebels for questioning
once arrested."
Yesterday, the army's strength was beefed up with the Police Mobile Force from
Nasinu, outside Suva deployed to Labasa. The investigation
unit from Suva is to lay charges against the 140 rebels. Major Politini said
a lot of work has to be done, but he is optimistic the 140 rebels will
appear in court today.
Fiji's Daily Post
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