27 Mar 2004

Fiji police reopen investigations into former Commissioner's alleged role in May 2000 coup

9:02 am on 27 March 2004

Fiji's ambassador to the United Nations is to be re-investigated for his alleged involvement in the May 2000 coup.

Colonel Isikia Savua was Fiji's police commissioner when the allegations were made but he was cleared by a secret inquiry chaired by the former chief justice, Sir Timoci Tuivaga.

Police kept the file on Col Savua open and the new commissioner, Andrew Hughes, has ordered the new probe as part of investigations into the alleged involvement of twenty other officers in the coup.

The officer heading the investigations within the force, assistant Commissioner Kevueli Bulamainaivalu has told the Fiji Sun that Col Savua will be re-investigated along with other officers.

The newspaper says the earlier secret inquiry into Col Savua had been given sworn testimony by police officers on his alleged involvement, including in the transport of military weapons and food to the rebels in parliament.