Issue No: 768; 16 May 2001

In the affidavit defending the military against the application of habeas corpus by the CRW's head, Lt. Penaia Baleinamau, the military stated that arms were still missing and if the terrorists came in contact with these, then another uprising was possible.

The details of the affidavits, sworn by the Military commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama, are contained in the High Court judgment on Baleinamau's case, Misc Action No. 14 of 2001 in the High Court of Fiji, Suva. The judgment stated:
"The Commander further states that investigations into the mutiny are still in progress and that fifteen (15) weapons are still missing and that intelligence reports reveals that a threat of an uprising still exists" (p.3).

The judge also stated that the military believed that the unauthorised release of the weapons by Baleinamau "were a threat to the FRMF and to the security of this country".

Military Commander, Frank Bainimarama is quoted as saying that Baleinamau "failed me in his duties and therefore put the security of the country at risk".

He further stated: "This threat is made worse by the fact that 15 weapons are still missing and I believe that the applicant [Baleinamau] can pose further serious threat to national security if he comes into contact with those in possession of these missing weapons".

The sworn statement by the military commander clearly indicate that the terrorists may be ganging up again and planning another assault on the nation, with Laisenia Qarase as the Prime Minister.

This is the first time that the military has admitted that the terrorists and sections of the military pose a danger to the nation irrespective of who is in government.