The Fiji government senator facing serious charges of mutiny wants his trial to be heard by assessors of a similar status.
Ratu Inoke Takiveitaka is the paramount chief of Naitasiri province and wants to judged his peers.
Fiji TV reports that when the trail opens tomorrow, his Australian lawyer, Gabriel Wendler, will argue that it is his client's constitutional right to be tried by assessors of equal status because only they would understand his duty and role as a high chief.
The TV report says a copy of this argument has been delivered to state prosecutors.
Trail judge Justice Anthony Gates will hear the argument tomorrow.
But observers point out that jailed vice president Seniloli did not apply to have his case assessed by other high chiefs.
Ratu Inoke has been charged with conspiracy to incite mutiny, inciting mutiny and aiding soldiers in an act of mutiny in November 2000 which was aimed at assassinating the military commander, Commodore Bainimarama, and freeing George Speight.
It resulted in eight deaths and more than 30 injuries.
