19 Oct 2004

Fiji police gear up for resumption of paramount chief's trial

2:32 pm on 19 October 2004

Fiji's Tactical Response Unit is guarding the High Court in a twenty four hour operation as the trial of Naitasiri paramount chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, resumes tomorrow.

Police spokesperson, Mesake Koroi, says uniformed police are also involved in the alert.

He says there are concerns there could be trouble from some Naitasiri people unhappy that their chief is being tried on charges of conspiracy to incite mutiny, inciting mutiny and aiding soldiers in an act of mutiny.

Mr Koroi says the Tactical Response Unit has been brought in to ensure that there are no disruptions.

"They have now taken care of the security within the court premises, and the judge and the assessors to the case. Whereas, the normal police operational men and women have been deployed in the greater Suva area."

Mesake Koroi says patrols are also being sent in to keep an eye on vital installations in Naitasiri like the Monasavu dam and the hydro-electric scheme.