28 Sep 2002

Fiji Labour Party again seeks inquiry into May 2000 coup

9:14 am on 28 September 2002

The Fiji Labour Party has renewed its call for an independent inquiry into the May 2000 coup which overthrew the Mahendra Chaudhry government.

The Labour leader says revelations made at the mutiny courtmartial this week, confirmed the active role played by senior army officers in the overthrow of the People's Coalition Government.

Mr Chaudry says it is shocking to be told that the army colluded with George Speight's group in fabricating propaganda documents to discredit him and to incite anger amongst indigenous people.

He says the army and elements of the police were equally implicated in carrying out the coup and cannot be trusted to ensure national security.

The Labour leader says this is the third time the army has instigated a coup, making it the most serious threat to democracy and to any elected government that doesn't enjoy its favour and support.

Mr Chaudhry says unless the real elements behind the coup are unmasked, the coup culture will continue and Fiji will become another Africa.