27 Jul 2004

Prosecution closes case in treason trial of Fiji Vice President

11:31 am on 27 July 2004

The treason trial of Fiji vice president, Ratu Jope Seniloli, and five others has been told that police were under orders to avoid confrontation with rioters who were burning and looting Suva at the time of the coup.

The Acting Superintendent, Waisea Tabakau, said he did not think police were helpless but they were taking instructions from the then commissioner, Col Isikia Savua.

Mr Tabakau also told the court that he had supervised the seizure of fourteen oath forms from lawyer Vodo Tuberi's Suva office.

The oaths were in a bag belonging to one of the accused and the current deputy speaker of parliament, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure.

The prosecution's case against Seniloli, Vakalalabure, the sports minister, Isireli Leweniqila and three others has now closed.

They are charged with taking an unlawful oath to commit a capital offence for being sworn into George Speight's failed administration.