13 Dec 2003

Fiji magistrate releases two coup accused on good behaviour bonds

8:25 am on 13 December 2003

Two of George Speight's rebels in the Fiji coup have been put on good behaviour bonds for twelve months and set free by the Suva magistrate's court.

Atunaisa Tukana and Seremaia Vidi were charged with unlawful assembly in what the prosecution said was a plot to destabilise the post-coup interim administration.

The prosecutor told the court that in the events of the coup, two soldiers were injured and a police officer died after an exchange of gunfire with Speight's rebels.

The magistrate put the men on good behaviour bonds after taking into account their remorse and the fact they were acting on instructions when the offences were committed.