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Issue No: 740; 8 May 2001
The Counter Revolutionary Warfare unit terrorist Penaia Baleinamau will be freed soon. The High Court today ordered the military to free the terrorist after the terrorist's wife applied for the release through a writ of habeas corpus. The judge, Justice Davendra Pathik stated that Baleinamau was kept in custody for 277 days and that there was no reason for the military to keep him longer without a trial. The military stated that it will abide by the court decision. It however, told the media that Baleinamau and the 32 others were kept in custody for security reasons. Baleinamau was one of the CRW soldiers who took part in the mutiny and attempted coup in November. In January he wrote a letter to the Commander of the army apologising for his actions (see: http://www.pcgov.org.fj/archive/2001-01/no333.htm). The letter contained details of the persons who were behind the attempted mutiny and coup. The release of Baleinamau also signals the release of the other 32 CRW soldiers who were taken into custody after the failed mutiny. Included in this group are soldiers who had taken the government hostage. It is believed that some sections within the military have
deliberately delayed the court martial process so that the court orders the
release of the terrorists. The military is split between the supporters of the
terrorists and the masterminds behind the terrorists, and those who support
democracy. |
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People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
