Former Land Force Commander, Colonel Jone Baledrokadroka, who took the stand as a witness today in the case whereby 3 former CRW soldiers are suing the RFMF for the violation of their constitutional rights in 2000, denied writing a written order to release the 3 former CRW soldiers who were detained at the Nabua Police Station, on the 5th of November in 2000.

Colonel Baledrokadroka, who was Chief of Staff during the time of the mutiny in 2000, he said it was beyond his authority to discharge any soldier, and added that he did not sign a note or verbally give an order for any soldier to release Corporal Barbados Mills and the others. He also denied giving any order to authorise the assault and brutal treatment of any CRW soldier.

Baledrokadroka upon cross examination by the plaintiffs counsel, Sevuloni Valenitabua, said the orders did not come from him however it could have come from somewhere else as he was not aware.

Yesterday, Corporal Mills alleged he read a note which was signed by Colonel Baledrokadroka, to release him and others to be taken up to QEB, but they were instead transported to Riffle Range in Vatuwaqa, where they were assaulted and subjected to brutal treatment by soldiers. He was hit by an object similar to a baseball bat on the chest and he says that he was also hit by one of the soldiers who used a rifle butt.

3 other witnesses were also called to the stand.