Suva, Oct 30: Fiji Police say they are investigating reports that a plot had been hatched to kidnap and kill Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry a month before he was ousted in the May, 19, 2000 coup, newspapers said today. Chaudhry was overthrown when gunmen led by now convicted traitor George Speight seized Parliament and held the Cabinet hostage for 56 days.
There have long been reports that another separate coup had been planned ahead of Speight's coup.
Police commissioner Andrew Hughes, originally from Australia, said investigators were examining what may have been a plot to kidnap and assassinate Chaudhry.
Hughes said separate investigations were being carried out into the murder of special forces soldiers, ouster of former President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, illegal swearing in of Speight's "government" and the role of former police commissioner Isikia Savua in the coup.
Assistant Commissioner Moses Driver had tried to talk to Speight on three occasions, Hughes said.
Hughes said investigations had reached a critical stage and must be completed by the end of the year.
He urged members of the public having direct evidence on the event to help the police.
Bureau Report