16 Jan 2007

Fiji Law Society to test legality of State of Emergency

10:36 am on 16 January 2007

The Fiji Law Society says people dissatisfied with the military imposed State of Emergency can test its legality in the courts.

The society president, Davnesh Sharma, has told Radio Legend that there can be a number of legal arguments about the state of emergency.

But he says the courts can make the final decision on the actions of the military and the interim administration.

Mr Sharma says the judiciary and the courts are intact and the Law Society believes the constitution is still intact.

He says anyone can challenge any decision in the courts through legal procedures which are available.

Meanwhile, the deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, says he will file legal action against the military next week.

Mr Qarase says the case will challenge the legality or otherwise of the overthrow of his government.