Military spokesperson Howard Politini says rebel leader George Speight and
his key advisors have been taken to the
Nukulau and Makuluva islands for reasons of safety, security and the comfort
of prisoners.
The rebels, apprehended mid this week were until this morning detained at Queen
Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, Suva.
From midnight last night the islands, which are popular picnic spots, were declared
off bounds. Only the military, the Red
Cross and the police to pursue their investigations will be allowed on the islands.
Politini says the rebels will be kept there as long as is required for the
legal process to take its course. Meanwhile, the
military has issued an ultimatum to those holding the Sukanaivalu Barracks in
Labasa to vacate the premises and return to
their homes by midnight tomorrow. The military says it would have no option
but to take drastic actions to ensure the
return of the barracks to its proper status.
The military says it won't be responsible for any repercussions that may occur.
Those who had taken over the command of
the camp include rebel army officers and a few civilians from the landowning
units. Politini says a few Indians are there as
well.
He says according to reports received they were there of their own accord and
some may have been coerced to be there. He
says the military has established communications at all levels including the
rebel officers and are also talking to some of
their chiefs who have been involved with the takeover.
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