1 Jul 2004

Bomb threat stops Fiji treason trial

3:54 pm on 1 July 2004

Bomb threats disrupted the treason trial of Fiji vice president Seniloli and five others today forcing it to be adjourned till Monday.

Radio Fiji reports that Justice Nazhat Shameem called off proceedings for today and tomorrow after security at the Government Buildings complex which houses the court house was threatened.

The radio says the Central Police Station in Suva received a bomb threat at 7 this morning.

The military bomb disposal unit swept the complex for explosives soon after but found nothing.

After the all clear was given at 9.00am, another anonymous call was made to police threatening an explosion at Government Buildings today.

The bomb disposal unit was recalled only to find it was another hoax.

The police spokesman, Mesake Koroi, says security around the courts has been very tight since the trial began on Monday and the chances of anyone planting anything would be very remote.

Police are now trying to trace the call and identify the caller.