The DPP's office this morning presented affidavits from senior military officer Colonel Samuela Saumatua and Divisional Crime Officer Southern, Tevita Lesu to oppose bail for the 11 alleged assassins charged in relation to the alleged assassination plot.

DPP lawyer, Wilisoni Kurusaqila highlighted that they will strongly oppose bail based on the statements from Col Saumatua and SP Lesu.

In his affidavit, Colonel Saumatua said that the eleven accused have been identified as credible threats and that the threat they pose to national security is very high.

SP Tevita Lesu highlighted in his affidavit that due to the seriousness of the offences, disclosures of the evidence cannot be made at this time as it could jeopardize the investigations.

He also said that as the search for the arms continue, the release of these men will reduce the chances of recovering those arms.

Both Colonel Saumatua and SP Lesu have stated that if released the eleven accused could try and execute the plan and accomplish their mission.

All the defense lawyers for the eleven accused stress that both affidavits are speculative, general, full of allegations and only the opinions of the two officers. They say that legally the two affidavits cannot provide any basis for refusal of bail.


When the case was called this morning, Kuruisaqila made an application to amend the charges to include the 11th accused, Pauliasi Namulo who appeared with them this morning. While allowing the amendment, Magistrate John Semisi cautioned the DPP lawyer that such amendments to include other accused may not be entertained.

Magistrate Semisi will decide on the bail application for the eleven men at 3:30pm today.

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, Pauliasi Namulo, Isireli Cakau, and Pacific Connex Marketing Manager Sivaniolo Naulaga are charged with inciting mutiny and conspiracy to commit murder.