1 Jul 2004

Three former Fiji cabinet ministers advised Speight, court told

7:14 am on 1 July 2004

The Suva High Court's been told that three former Fiji cabinet ministers advised the coup front man, George Speight, on what steps to take, after he took the government captive in May 2000.

The Fiji Times reports, that this was part of the evidence given in the treason trial of vice president Seniloli and five others, who were sworn in as part of Speight's rebel administration.

Giving evidence was a member of the Chaudhry government and cabinet minister in the former Rabuka government, Leo Smith.

Mr Smith said three former SVT government ministers, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Berenado Vunibobo and Apisai Tora were at a meeting on the day of the coup which he witnessed.

Also at the meeting were nationalist Iliesa Duvuloco, the former director of the Fiji Intelligence Service, Colonel Metuisela Mua; the lands minister, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu; the sports minister, Isireli Leweniqwila; the former army and now NLTB lawyer Tevita Bukarau, and George Speight's father, Sam Speight Senior.