10 people appear in Suva Court
The ten people facing various charges in relation to the alleged assassination plot are Naitasiri high chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, former senior military officer, Lt Colonel Jone Baledrokadroka, former Fiji Intelligence Services Director, Metuisela Mua, politician, Peceli Rinakama and former CRW soldiers, Fihoko Gadekibau, Barbodoes Mils, Kamenieli Vosavere, Eparama Waqatakirewa and Isireli Cakau, and Sivaniolo Naulaga.
Defense lawyer representing Baledrokadroka, Devinesh Sharma informed Magistrate John Semisi that they have all agreed that the plea be deferred until tomorrow.
Sharma also said that the issue of bail for all the accused also be deferred until tomorrow morning and the ten accused have been remanded in custody till 11am tomorrow. DPP Lawyer Wilisoni Kurusigila represented the state in the case and agreed that the matter be adjourned.
While the charges against the accused were not read out in court, it has been confirmed that each faces upto 9 counts of various charges.
It has been confirmed that Lt Colonel Baledrokadroka is charged with one count of treason, where it is alleged that he conspired with Ratu Inoke Takiveikata and businessman Ballu Khan between August and November 3rd, 2007 to remove the President Ratu Josefa Iloilo.
He is also charged with instigating invasion for allegedly conspiring to call for foreigners to invade Fiji with armed forces.
The accused also faces one charge of misprision of treason. It is alleged that Baledrokadroka, while knowing that Ratu Inoke and Ballu Khan were planning to lead a group to commit treason did not inform the proper authorities.
On the charge of inciting to mutiny, it is alleged that Baledrokadroka attempted to incite members of the RFMF to go against the Army Commander.
All the ten accused are also charged with five counts of conspiracy to murder, where it is alleged that they plotted to kill Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama, Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, Interim Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum and senior military officers, Lt. Colonel Samuela Saumatua and Lt. Col. Sitiveni Qilo.
The ten men appear in court against tomorrow for hearing on their bail and to confirm the defense stance whether they are ready to take a plea.
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