5 Feb 2010

Court in Fiji hears plot to kill Bainimarama was army ploy

5:58 pm on 5 February 2010

The High Court in Fiji has heard claims the military floated the alleged plot to assassinate the interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, three years ago in a bid to draw out elements that were planning such an attack.

Intelligence officer Major Isireli Narawa, was giving evidence at the trial of eight men charged with conspiracy to assassinate Commodore Bainimarama, the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and the former Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.

Fiji Live reports Major Narawa told the court he was posing as a disgruntled army officer when he met with one of the defendants, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, in October that year.

He says he gave the chief his assurance he could arrange for an assassination team to enter the army barracks.

The trial resumes Monday.