Eleven men re-appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court today facing charges of inciting mutiny and conspiracy to commit murder and have been remanded in custody until a decision on their bail application tomorrow.
The charges in relation to the alleged assassination plot were read to Naitasiri high chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, former senior military officer, 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 Isireli Cakau, and Pacific Connex Marketting Manager Sivaniolo Naulaga.
It has been revealed in court that the ten men between August 1st and November 3rd, 2007, allegedly conspired to incite military officers, Peniasi Kuli and Isireli Lewaqai to go against the Army Commander.
They 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, Colonel Samuela Saumatua and Lt. Col. Sitiveni Qiliho. No plea was taken after the charges were read.
Defence lawyers then made submissions on why their clients should be granted bail. DPP lawyer, Wilisoni Kuruisaqila informed Magistrate John Semisi that while yesterday they had said that they would strongly oppose bail the DPP's office may change its stance in light of the submissions made and requested time to obtain the affidavit from the investigating officer before making its stand on the bail application.
Colonel Baledrokadroka's lawyer, Devinesh Sharma made submissions on behalf of all the defence lawyers and highlighted that they would agree to strict bail conditions and their clients are also willing to be put under a curfew for the next 6 to 8 weeks.
Magistrate Semisi questioned Sharma on the issue of his client's safety if he is released on bail to which Sharma replied that under the current circumstances it may be more dangerous for his client to remain in custody.
Other defense lawyers, Akuila Naco for Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, Legal Aid Director Filimoni Vosarogo for the former CRW soldiers and Tevita Fa for Metuisela Mua made submissions that their clients are men of status in the society and there are no records that they will breach bail conditions. They stressed that their clients all need to continue earning to pay for their legal fees.
They have been remanded in custody until 11am tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the 11th suspect charged in relation to the alleged plot to assassinate the Interim PM and others.
Pauliasi Namulo appeared with the ten others this morning, however, charges had not been filed in court against him at that stage.
He is expected to appear in court this afternoon.
