Issue No: 640; 29 March 2001

Its editorial stated: "There are moves underway to have the charges against George Speight dropped and to let him walk free. This is being given the spin that it would "unite the Fijian people"."

"Since when? At the time of last May's coup, George did not have an outpouring of public support from the Fijian people. A small mo9b gathered around parliament during the kidnapping, but they did not represent of the entire indigenous community. In many ways they represented the malcontents and misfits of the Suva area. If George had achieved overwhelming support, as Rabuka did in 1987, then he would not have been forced to threaten murder for eight weeks to try and save himself."

"We must remember that shortly after the coup occurred, there were indigenous Fijians in the West talking about forming separate nation. They certainly were not united behind George. Also, many other Fijians, away from chiefly ears, expressed the opinion that George was ruining the country."

"But there may be more behind the idea of freeing George Speight than uniting the Fijians. If George was to go to trial, then the names of many others currently not facing charges, or who had charges against them dropped, would come up in George's case."

"How could George be found guilty of treason without testimony from those who joined him at parliament, those who endorsed his cause, and even those who swore him into office? Their testimony and actions during the coup would be part of the evidence against George, and there are far too many people whose names would come up."

"So George may walk free, not because he has immense popularity or because he will unite the Fijian people, but because his trial would reveal far too much. Especially, so for some people in power."

"Will they organise a "Welcome Back George" parade for their hero? Perhaps, the streets will be lined with the thousands who lost their jobs, joined by the tens of thousands who suffered wage cuts, and of course, cheering on form the footpaths, will be all the young people who lost education and opportunity because of the disruptions of last year."

"A special part of the parade route could be dedicated to the victims of the huge increase in crime, and of course, the families of the dead."

"Maybe they could all wave little black flags."