20 Dec 2007

Fiji bail for alleged assassination plotters welcomed

3:04 pm on 20 December 2007

A lawyer representing some of the men accused of plotting to kill Fiji's interim Prime Minister has welcomed the court's decision to grant them bail.

The 10 men are accused of plotting to kill Commodore Frank Bainimarama and key members of his cabinet.

They have been charged on three counts of conspiracy to murder.

The state earlier opposed the granting of bail, but the men have now been released on the strictest conditions.

Akuila Naco is grateful for the court's decision, but hopes the state won't change its mind.

"The court merely acted on the submission that was put through by the state. The state did not object to bail as long as there were strict conditions imposed. [But] it's very difficult for the accused persons, it's very depressing also because the state seems to be changing its position."

Akuila Naco says the men must surrender their documents and are not allowed to interact with each other or any of the witnesses.