Prominent figures in Fiji have appeared in the Suva magistrate's court to mitigate on behalf of five men found guilty of coup related offences.
The five are a former army lawyer, Major Tevita Bukarau; the former director of the Fiji Intelligence Service, Col Metuisela Mua; businessman Jioji Bakoso, Viliame Sausauwai and Eroni Lewaqai.
Last week all five were found guilty on two charges of unlawful assembly and one charge of consorting with people carrying firearms during the coup.
Radio Legend reports that the minister for housing, Col Pio Wong, appeared in court to say that Bukarau had served under him in Lebanon as a platoon commander and proved to be a loyal officer who displayed professionalism and integrity.
A high chief of Rewa, Ro Epeli Mataitini, said Bukarau was a true leader and an inspiration for the people of Rewa.
Kalivati Bakani, the general manager of the Native Lands Trust Board where Bukarau was employed as the chief legal officer, said Bukarau's loyalty could never be questioned.
Glowing reports were also given of the other convicts by high chiefs and the assistant general secretary of the Methodist Church.
Mitigation will continue before the men are sentenced.
