18 May 2011

Tonga says no extradition request received from Fiji

5:39 pm on 18 May 2011

Tonga's Solicitor-General says it has not received an extradition request from Fiji for a former senior military leader.

Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara fled to Tonga after being charged with sedition, saying he feared he would not get a fair trial.

Solicitor-General Aminiasi Kefu says there has been no such request from Fiji in relation to extraditing Colonel Mara.

Mr Kefu says Tonga has received only a diplomatic note in relation to the colonel and there has been no formal request for his return to Fiji.