26 May 2011

Tonga receives Mara extradition request from Fiji, but says it will take time to sort through

3:29 pm on 26 May 2011

Tonga's acting attorney general says there is no rush to examine the extradition application for a former Fiji soldier which his office received today.

Fiji is seeking the extradition of Lieutanant Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, who fled to Fiji while facing sedition charges, saying he feared he would not get a fair trial.

Samiu Vaipulu says the application is a large box, which will take some time to sort through.

"It will have to go through due process, through the court system, through what our extradition act provides. That's what we will follow. This is an issue that will need time to look at things properly. We don't have to rush."

Samiu Vaipulu says he is working with the solicitor general's office over the application.