23 Dec 2004

Fiji's CCF complains to police about Seniloli release

4:24 pm on 23 December 2004

The Citizens Constitutional Forum of Fiji has lodged a complaint with the police about the early release of the jailed former vice president, Ratu Jope Seniloli.

Radio Fiji reports that the CCF's complaint is against the attorney general and minister for justice, Qoriniasi Bale.

Mr Bale released Seniloli last month, after only three and a half months of his four-year sentence for taking an illegal oath to become the usurper president during the coup.

The CCF's executive director, the Reverend Aquila Yabaki, maintains that Mr Bale released Seniloli for political reasons rather than on medical grounds as he claimed.

The Rev Yabaki says Mr Bale abused his powers as minister for justice and prejudiced the rights of other prisoners.

The police commissioner, Andrew Hughes, has confirmed receiving the complaint which has been sent to state lawyers for assessment.