A legal appeal to keep secret the names of witnesses against Fiji coup leader George Speight and his main accomplices was unexpectedly withdrawn by State prosecutors on Wednesday.
No reason was given for the decision, which left legal circles baffled and followed other legal decisions which have led some observers to question the competence of the prosecution team.
State prosecutor Robert Schuster appeared in chambers to inform the judge her that the State was discontinuing the appeal.

"It's very odd," the judge later said, but could not explain what had prompted the move. this is a continuation of a series of happenings in the prosecution, which has flummoxed many.
Speight had stormed into Parliament on may 19 last year, taking hostage ethnic Indian Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudry and members of his government.

Bureau Report