8 Jul 2005

More Fiji leaders expected to face charges

1:23 pm on 8 July 2005

A report from Fiji says a senior politician from the country's western division is expected to be charged soon for arson attacks on temples and businesses during the Speight coup.

Radio Legend says senior detectives have confirmed that the 60-year old politician was interviewed by police a few days ago.

They say the file has been sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for final analysis before charges are laid.

Meanwhile, another senior politician is expected to be charged for inciting the November 2000 mutiny which was aimed at assassinating Commodore Bainimarama and freeing George Speight.

Radio Legend says police have reached the final stages of their investigations after consultations with the DPP's Office.

A Fiji government senator, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, who was also found guilty of inciting that mutiny is already serving a life sentence in Suva Prison.

More people are also expected to be charged with taking illegal oaths to join George Speight's failed administration.

This was revealed in the coup trial of the civil aviation minister, Simione Kaitani, by the New Zealand police handwriting expert, David Boot, who said Fiji police had asked him to examine the signatures of four other people in addition to the four already on trial.