5 Mar 2010

Fiji sentencing in PM assassination plot case delayed

3:43 pm on 5 March 2010

The sentencing of eight men found guilty of plotting to assassinate Fiji's interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has again been delayed.

It was due to begin at 3:30 today.

The maximum sentence the men face is fourteen years, but defence counsel yesterday argued for non-custodial sentences.

Among those convicted for the 2007 plot are the high chief of Naitasiri, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, a former director of the Fiji Intelligence Service and five former soldiers.

A lawyer representing six of the men says no matter what sentence is handed down, an appeal will be lodged early next week.