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Issue No: 663; 7 April 2001
Seven more terrorists have been freed by the Suva Magistrate's Court, the media reports. The seven were charged for unlawful assembly after they were arrested by the military after a raid at the Kalabu Fijian School last July. The seven - Anania Laulaba, Laisenia Sokomuri, Mosese Tamani, Waisea Sauliqa, Usaia Naitini, Marika Tuva and Emosie Baledrokadroka - were actively involved with the terrorists on the Parliament Complex where the government was held hostage for 56 days. After leaving the Parliament Complex the terrorists made camp at the Kalabu Fijian School. The seven pleaded guilty to unlawful assembly. They were bound over by the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday for $150 each, They were also ordered to maintain peace and not to reoffend within 12 months. Meanwhile in Labasa, the prosecution office announced that two journalists charged with unlawful assembly and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, will have their charges dropped. The journalists were found together with mutineers who had taken over the Labasa military barracks. (see: http://www.pcgov.org.fj/archive/2000-08/no9.htm ). The prosecution office stated that it accepted the journalists excuse that they were covering the takeover as reporters and were not involved with them. The release of terrorists has become the norm in the Magistrates court. Citizens have reported that ordinary law abiding citizens are levied heavier fines for minor traffic infringements and littering than what the terrorists are getting in the Suva Magistrates Court. Numerous drivers, for example, who have been booked for failing to wear seat belts have been fined $80 each. The bound-over and light fines for terrorists confirms the view that either there is a systematic and organised collaboration, and conspiracy, between the terrorists and those responsible for upholding the law in the land, or that the law enforcement agencies are totally incompetent. |
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People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
