7 Feb 2007

November 2000 Fiji mutiny bullet victim in court for compo

4:43 pm on 7 February 2007

A man who says he was hit by a stray bullet in the November 2000 Fiji army mutiny is continuing his fight for compensation in the Suva High Court.

Radio Legend reports that James Pillay initiated legal action against the army for gross negligence after he claimed he was shot in the stomach in the firefight between the rebels and loyalist soldiers who put down the mutiny.

Mr Pillay's medical report shows that the bullet is still lodged in his stomach.

He says the bullet was fired from the army camp at Nabua and hit him inside his home in Samabula about 2-km away.

Mr Pillay is arguing in court that the military should be held responsible for not looking after their armoury which led to the weapons finding their way into the hands of rebel soldiers.

A trial date will be set once pre-trial issues are settled.

The mutiny was aimed at assassinating the military commander, Commodore Bainimarama and freeing George Speight.

It resulted in eight deaths and more than 30 injuries including some civilians outside the army camp.