23 Aug 2004

Fiji's Matanitu Vanua Party to consider options following court ruling

8:36 pm on 23 August 2004

Fiji's Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua party says it will exhaust all avenues under the law after the Appeal Court decision today.

A spokesperson, Senator Ratu Josefa Dimuri, made the comment after the vice-president, Ratu Jope Seniloli, and a party member, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, along with three others, had their application for bail turned down.

All five were jailed for their involvement in the 2000 coup.

Ratu Josefa says they must study the decision first before making any decision.

"We have agreed, you know, to let the law take its course and we will abide by the ruling of the courts. And, certainly we will try and exhaust all avenues available under the law to get these cases resolved."

Ratu Josefa Dimuri.

The five will remain in prison at least until November until their appeal against their sentences is expected to be heard by the court.