2 Oct 2003

Fiji prisons chief rejects claims of dispute among coup convicts

4:05 pm on 2 October 2003

Fiji's Commissioner for prisons, Aisea Taoka, is denying reports of dispute among the coup convicts held on the prison island of Nukulau.

Radio Fiji says it had been reliably informed that the dispute resulted in the isolation of treason convicts, Timoci Silatolu and Josefa Nata.

The radio says Silatolu and Nata were reportedly taken to task by their colleagues for telling the court during their trial that they were innocent of any involvement in the coup.

The two have now been moved to Korovou Prison in Suva.

But Mr Taoka says the relocation was done as a cost saving measure well before the pair were convicted three months ago and they will remain there.

Mr Taoka adds that the remaining prisoners on Nukulau, including the coup front man George Speight who is serving a life term, will remain on the island for the duration of their sentences.