13 Nov 2002

Fiji coup accused seek bail

8:15 am on 13 November 2002

The two remaining Fiji coup accomplices still facing charges of treason are reported to be seeking bail.

Fiji TV reports that Josefata Nata and Timoci Silatolu will file an application for release under the controversial new Social Justice Bill on Friday.

Both Nata and Silatolu have been in custody on Nukulau island since their arrest more than two years ago.

Nata was the media spokesman for the coup front man, George Speight, and Silatolu a minister in his failed administration.

Both have pleaded not guilty to treason but their trial has been repeatedly delayed this year over difficulties in getting state-funded legal aid for their defence.

The Legal Aid Commission has already agreed to defend Nata but Silatolu is still seeking such aid with the help of the Human Rights Commission and the judge who will hear the treason case, Justice Andrew Wilson.