19 Mar 2003

Assessors now considering verdict in Fiji treason trial

6:17 pm on 19 March 2003

The treason trial of the Fiji coup accomplices, Josefa Nata and Timoci Silatolu, is over.

Justice Andrew Wilson finished summing up the evidence this afternoon and clarifying points of law for the five assessors who have been assisting him.

The assessors have now retired to consider whether the two accused are guilty or innocent.

Justice Wilson says they will be provided with all the material they need to come to a verdict on the involvement of the accused in the May 2000 coup and the overthrow of the Chaudhry Government.

He has told them to take as long as they like and not be pressured into making an early decision.

The assessors will remain in isolation tonight to deliberate on the verdict until the court convenes tomorrow morning.