2 Dec 2002

Fiji rugby boss gives evidence in treason trial

5:14 pm on 2 December 2002

The chief executive of the Fiji Rugby Union, Pio Bosco Tokoisuva, gave evidence at the treason trial of the May 2000 coup accomplices, Timoci Silatolu and Josefa Nata, in Suva today.

Radio Fiji reports that Mr Tikoisuva was government printer at the time and ordered to print decrees by the rebels.

He told the high court that he spoke to both Nata and the coup front man, George Speight, on the day of the coup.

Mr Tikoisuva said Nata called him on that day to print decrees issued by Speight's new administration but he told Nata to call half an hour later.

Instead, Speight called Mr Tikoisuva and threatened to send some people to force workers to print the decrees.

Mr Tikoisuva said he then authorised the printing of the decrees taking into account the safety of his workers.

He said the next morning, on the 20th of May, his staff were still working on the decrees.

One of the decrees shown in court this morning revealed that Speight's administration had chosen Colonel Ulaisi Vatu as the new commander of the military and Lt Col Filipo Tarakinikini as the new chief of staff.

In last month's mutiny trial in Fiji, the two officers were named as being among those linked to the plan to kill the commander, Rear Admiral Frank Bainimarama.