28 Apr 2006

Fiji police complete investigations into key aspects of the May 2000 coup

10:08 am on 28 April 2006

Fiji police are completing their investigations into key aspects of the May 2000 coup including the attempted abrogation of the 1997 Constitution, the removal of the then president Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and a plan to assassinate the then prime minister, Mahendra Chaudhry.

Radio Fiji reports that this has been revealed by the assistant commissioner of police, Kemueli Bulamainaivalu.

Mr Bulamainavalu says the investigations also include the plans to blow up Nadi International Airport, the involvement of senior civil servants and military personnel in the coup, and the arson attack on Ratu Mara's farm in Vanua Levu,

He says police have already taken in a businessman for questioning in connection with the plot to blow up Nadi Airport.

They are also investigating the withdrawal of millions of dollars from Rewa Dairy Cooperative Limited, then managed by George Speight's father, to fund the coup.

Mr Bulamaivalu says all these files will go to the Director of Public Prosecutions within the week for legal advice.