13 Jan 2005

Fiji coup frontman Speight not seeking early release

10:19 am on 13 January 2005

The Fiji coup front man George Speight is reported not to want an early release from his life sentence for treason.

Radio Legend reports that Speight has asked his elder brother and MP of the pro-coup Conservative Alliance party, Samisoni Tikonisau, to stop all processes for his early release.

Mr Tikonisau says Speight has told him to stop gathering petitions to have him released and is quite comfortable with completing his life-term.

Mr Tikonisau says this will take a few more years and if Speight is released after that, he will be quite comfortable with that.

But he says the Conservative Alliance, which is the junior partner in the Qarase government, and its supporters want Speight released and will continue to push for it.

Mr Tikonisau says if a political resolution for Speight's freedom is reached before the next general elections in 2006, then party members will be happy.

The Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua was set up after the coup to pursue its objectives and have Speight freed.