Lawyer to appeal the sentences
Lawyer Iqbal Khan told Fijivillage that they will definitely appeal the sentences hand down by High Court Judge Justice Paul Madigan after looking through the case proceedings and consulting his clients.
Justice Madigan started the prison sentences for all eight men at 6 years and increased or reduced their sentences based on their degree of participation.
Naitasiri chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata has been sentenced to 7 years imprisonment. Justice Madigan said that he was convinced that Ratu Inoke was one of the prime motivators with Ballu Khan to plan the conspiracy.
Sivaniolo Naulago has also been sentenced to 7 years imprisonment by Justice Madigan.
The Judge said Naulago was a major player in the conspiracy.
He said Naulago was the brain behind the brawn in the plot and it was profoundly sad that he fell under the spell of Ballu Khan and Ratu Inoke Takiveikata.
Barbados Mills will spend the next 6 and a half years behind bars as Judge Madigan said Mills was instrumental in the conspiracy.
Feoko Gadekibau has been sentenced to 5 years 6 months imprisonment.
Kaminieli Vosavere got four years, Metuisela Mua has been sentenced to 3 years 6 months imprisonment while Eparama Waqatairewa and Pauliasi Namulo got three years imprisonment each.
High Court Judge Justice Paul Madigan while handing down the sentence to the eight men convicted of conspiring to murder Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama stated that in the circumstances, he has no doubt that the plot was hatched by, orchestrated by, and directed by Ballu Khan, probably in concert with his business partner, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata.
The Judge highlighted that the theme throughout the trial of weakening the military, Aremoving@ the Commodore and the President, ridding the country of Indo Fijians, reveals both sinister and racial intentions.
He said there was no evidence before the court of any thought given to the fate of the average Fijian should the country be suddenly rid of its President, Prime Minister and Army.
He said the plans of the eight men were thoughtless, self serving and greedy.
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