Guilty.

That is the verdict of the five assessors in the last hour in the Ratu Inoke Takiveikata attempted mutiny trial.

The assessors had retired behind closed doors just after 11am and it took them less than 40 minutes to come back with a unanimous guilty verdict.

However, Judge Justice Daniel Goundar then informed the court that he needed some time to deliberate on the assessors’ decision before he can hand down the final judgement. 

After the three week trial, High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar summed up the case for the assessors earlier this morning and stressed that Ratu Inoke holds the title of Qaranivalu which is the paramount chief of Natasiri, however the law treats everyone equally, irrespective of their chiefly or other status and that they must also do the same.

Justice Goundar also told them to consider the fact that the memory of the witnesses is based on events that occurred 10 years ago and they must make allowance for the passage of time and that memories fade and people cannot remember things clearly.

He said the main issue for them to consider is what Ratu Inoke is alleged to have said and whether he did incite Captain Shane Stevens and Sergeant Manoa Bonafasio to carry out the attempted mutiny at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in November 2nd, 2000.

He also stressed that it is agreed that Ratu Inoke was present in two meetings where the takeover of QEB was discussed, however they need to be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the Qaranivalu spoke the alleged words to incite mutiny.

Judge Goundar also told the assessors that the Qaranivalu’s decision not to give sworn evidence does not prove anything as it was his right to do so.

The Court will resume at 2.30pm today where Justice Goundar will deliver his verdict.

Stay with us for that.


Story by: Vijay Narayan/Roneel Lal/Paradise Tabucala