8 Sep 2005

Fiji police chief confirms investigations are continuing to find the 2000 coup plotters

10:22 am on 8 September 2005

Fiji's police commissioner has confirmed that George Speight did not plan the May 2000 coup alone and some of those involved are yet to be brought to justice.

Andrew Hughes has told Radio Legend that his investigators are determined that they will find sufficient evidence against those who are yet to be charged.

Mr Hughes says he has assured the prime minister deposed in the coup, Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, that investigations are ongoing.

Mr Hughes says police have six major files currently active and 22 more minor files all subject to investigations.

Mr Chaudhry says if the Qarase government's Reconciliation and Unity Bill is passed in its current form, it will definitely hinder coup investigations.

Mr Chaudhry also says the coup investigations should continue as George Speight was only a front man and not the main person behind the coup.

The Bill will set up a Commission to fast track amnesty for coup convicts like Speight and government MPs, erase their criminal records, give immunity to those not yet prosecuted and ask the courts to suspend proceedings against those facing charges.