12 Nov 2002

Fiji opposition leader warns of another coup if justice fails

11:39 am on 12 November 2002

Fiji's opposition leader, Mick Beddoes, says the country will have another coup unless those behind the upheaval of the year 2000 are brought to justice.

Mr Beddoes says last week's court-martial has only convicted soldiers of the November 2000 mutiny but not those alleged to have been its masterminds.

He says to get disclosures of what lay behind the upheaval, the coup front man, George Speight, should be freed in return for turning state witness and providing information.

"The bottom line is yes we will have another coup some time in the future until we bring all those responsible to task, unless we do that we can expect this situation to reoccur again some time in the future under the guise of some other indigenous problem when in reality indeed it is about vested interests."