"The court heard the coup plotters had planned to dynamite parliament and the Westpac and ANZ banks in central Suva, as well as issue petrol bombs to Fijian youths to attack shops, and to dockers to sink ships."

"But the preliminary inquiry before Chief Magistrate Sailesi Temo, which unveiled previously unknown details of the plot, swiftly came to a standstill after coup leader George Speight sacked his lawyer Matebalavu Rabo."

"The case was adjourned for a week to allow Speight to find new representation."

"Speight and 12 others face a single charge of treason which lists 13 "overt acts" related to events between May 1 and July 31 last year when the government of now deposed Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry was held hostage for 56 days."

"The acts also include the suspension of the constitution, looting and rioting in the capital city of Suva and the forced stepping down of president Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara."

"Before Mr Temo adjourned the hearing, New Zealand lawyer Gerard McCoy, prosecuting for the State, hinted his evidence would name those really behind the coup."

"None of the evidence in the inquiry, which is to determine whether a High Court trial is to be held, can be published in Fiji."

"In his statement, Mr McCoy said that, during the siege of parliament, defendant special forces soldier Ilisoni Ligairi had "brutally grabbed" Mr Chaudhry and held a gun to his head, threatening to shoot him at any time."

"Mr Chaudhry was also so badly beaten by Fijian youths that he needed to be put on oxygen, Mr McCoy said."

"He said at one point Speight revealed to Mr Chaudhry who was really behind the coup and that the former prime minister would reveal the names in his evidence to the inquiry."

"The court was told the coup was plotted at the home of the one of the accused, Iliesa Duvuloco, at Mitchell Place in Suva, during which minutes were taken."

"It was alleged at that one of those meetings Speight confirmed firearms and soldiers would be available. Reference was also made to dynamite."

"Mr McCoy said many of the weapons used in the coup had been used in Fiji's 1987 coups."

"The state would call as many witnesses as they needed to, including Chaudhry, former president Mara and three witnesses who were given immunity from prosecution."

"Some witnesses had faced "very serious threats, intimidation and harassment," McCoy said."

"He said the prosecution had only to prove one single overt act against any one individual to successfully make the treason charge against him."

"Thirteen accused, 13 overt acts, 169 combinations," he said.