15 Jul 2004

Six more Fijians on trial on coup-related offences

10:28 am on 15 July 2004

Another six people have gone on trial in Fiji on coup related offences.

They are the former director of the army's Legal Services and now NLTB lawyer, Tevita Bukarau, the former director of the Fiji Intelligence Service, Col Metuisela Mua, Rusiate Korovusere, Viliame Sausauwai, Eroni Lewaqai and Jioji Bakoso.

They have been charged with consorting with people carrying firearms without lawful excuse at the time of the coup.

They have also been charged with illegal assembly in parliament with intent to carry out a common purpose.

They face a further charge of illegal assembly at Kalabo Primary School with intent to carry out a common purpose which happened after the rebels left parliament.

All the six accused have pleaded not guilty.

The case will resume next month.