USP Journalism Online: http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/
USP Journalism on the Fiji crisis (UTS host): http://www.journalism.uts.edu.au/
USP Pasifik Nius stories on Scoop (NZ):
http://www.scoop.co.nz/international.htm
Have your say: http://www.TheGuestBook.com/vgbook/109497.gbook
Following the arrest of Fiji coup leader George Speight, two advisors
and a
bodyguard at a military checkpoint outside Suva today, Amnesty
International's immediate concern is for the safety of 15 hostages
reportedly still held by Speight sympathizers at Monasavu, and of
civilians, in particular Indo-Fijians in the greater Suva area and in
rural
villages.
It is not yet clear under what charges, if any, Speight and the others
are being held, reportedly at military barracks in Suva. A far-reaching
amnesty, part of an agreement that led to the recent release of hostages
at
the parliament, had been conditional on Speight and his followers
returning
all stolen arms to the Fiji military. Amnesty International opposes any
amnesty or other forms of impunity for the perpetrators of human rights
abuses.
Amnesty International remains concerned that human rights abuses
attributed to George Speight and his followers after the 19 May 2000
coup
have been allowed to go unchecked for far too long. The organization has
received numerous reports of attacks against mostly Indo-Fijian
villagers
and their homes, which continued even after the release of the hostages
at
parliament on 13 July 2000.
While the organization hopes to see justice done for previous human
rights abuses, it is concerned that the security situation remains
volatile, with people in more remote areas at risk of further attacks on
their homes and families. Amnesty International calls on the military
to
ensure that civilians at risk are given adequate protection.
+++niuswire
Title -- 2867 FIJI: Coup leader's arrest prompts fears
Date -- 27 July 2000
Byline -- Media release
Origin -- Pasifik Nius
Source -- Amnesty International, hschurma@amnesty.org, 26/7/00
Status -- Unabridged
-------------------
This site is best viewed using Netscape 4.0 or higher.
Any problems or kind suggestions, please email: webmaster@lookinglassdesign.com
last revision 08/08/2000