11 Jun 2003

Fiji vice president due in court on coup-related charge

5:17 am on 11 June 2003

Fiji's vice president, Ratu Jope Seniloli, is due in court today charged with one count of taking an illegal oath to commit a capital offence and another of engaging in a seditious enterprise.

Also charged in connection with the coup are the deputy speaker of parliament, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, and the sports monister, Isireli Leweniqila.

Mr Leweniqila says if the prime minister tells him to step down because of his court appearance, he will do so.

But he says he has no regrets about joining Speight's failed administration at the time of the coup because it was something he had to do.