17 Mar 2005

Police in Fiji probe reports of planned Suva prison unrest

8:34 am on 17 March 2005

Fiji police are reported to be investigating a new threat to national security involving a planned unrest by inmates of Suva Prison.

Fiji TV reports the investigation has been confirmed by police who have been told the unrest is scheduled for next Tuesday.

Assistant Commissioner Kemueli Bulamainaivalu says a prison warden is helping with the investigation and prisoners will be interviewed soon.

Police want to know who issued the order for the planned unrest and whether it is linked to political prisoners who are inmates.

These include the treason convict, and George Speight's accomplice, Timoci Silatolu, the former deputy speaker of parliament, Ratu Rakuita Vakalabure, the government senator jailed for life for inciting mutiny, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, and others.

Meanwhile the Police Tactical Response Unit remains in training to deal with any emergencies and disturbances.