8 Aug 2007

Fiji police await report on alleged treason by Qarase

1:48 pm on 8 August 2007

Fiji police say they are expecting a report from the international police organisation, INTERPOL, in relation to the treason investigations into the deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase.

The director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Waisea Vakamocea, has told Radio Legend the INTERPOL report is expected to be handed to them soon after which the local investigations will resume.

INTERPOL was asked to gather statements from the prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand on whether Mr Qarase had asked for foreign military intervention in Fiji on or before the 5th of December, the date of the military takeover.

Two detectives went to Vanuabalavu island early this year to question Mr Qarase on the allegations.

The police investigations started after a complaint was lodged by the military that Mr Qarase had called for foreign military intervention.

Instigating a foreign armed invasion is considered a treasonous crime under Fiji law, as is launching a coup.