28 Apr 2006

Fiji commander wanted over mutiny safe in NZ

5:10 pm on 28 April 2006

Attempts by Fiji's military to court martial former acting land force commander, Colonel Jone Baledrokadroka, have suffered a setback.

The former commander has moved to New Zealand and Fiji's Solicitor General's office says there is no extradition treaty with New Zealand to have him returned.

Col Baledrokadroka is wanted by the military over allegations that he tried to overthrow the military commander Frank Bainimarama earlier this year.

The news agency Pacnews quotes military sources as saying New Zealand is not obliged to extradite him because he hasn't committed a crime internationally that warrants extradition but is an internal matter between him and the military.

Sources say the court martial cannot be convened if the accused person is outside the country.