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SUVA: Fiji's rebel leader George Speight, two key advisers and a
bodyguard were early today under military detention after being arrested
late last night by troops at a checkpoint near the rebel headquarters.
The four were seized under martial law which means they can be detained
longer than 24 hours before charges are made.
Military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Filipe Tarakinikini said they had
been arrested after soldiers stopped them at the checkpoint when they
were carrying arms in violation of the Muanikau accord.
Tarakinikini said there had been threats against the life of the interim
President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, who is expected to name a new interim
government today.
The terms of the amnesty under the accord - which granted Speight and
his followers immunity for crimes linked with the May 19 insurrection -
did not apply as the rebels had not handed all weapons to the military
after the end of the 60-day Parliament siege.
"The Immunity Decree called for the release of all hostages, and the
return of all weapons to the military," he said.
Tarakinikini also said there had been many reports of lawlessness and
harassment by the rebels in the area near Kalabu Fijian School on the
outskirts of Suva.
"Mr Speight was travelling with arms and bodyguards. This is illegal. We
cannot allow private militia to run the country," he said on local
radio.
Education Ministry authorities closed schools today in Nasinu, near the
rebel area, according to Radio Fiji.
Speight was arrested with his lawyer, Tevita Bukurau, media adviser Jo
Nata and his personal bodyguard, known only as Cakau, at the Laqere
bridge along the road corridor from Suva to the airport town of Nausori.
Tarakinikini said Speight and his bodyguards had been sighted several
times travelling around Suva with arms.
A witness told the Fiji Sun the four failed to stop at the Nausori end
of the bridge when asked to get out by soldiers.
"Shots were fired before the four were asked to get out of their
four-wheel-drive vehicle," the paper quoted the witness as saying.
"They were later escorted to the army camp at Nabua where they are now
under arrest."
Tarakinikini confirmed Speight was under arrest "in a cell up at Nabua".
+++niuswire
Title -- 2864 FIJI: Rebel leader George Speight arrested
Date -- 27 July 2000
Byline -- None
Origin -- Pasifik Nius
Source -- Radio Fiji/PN, 27/7/00
Copyright -- RF/PN
Status -- Unabridged
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