In a landmark decision that could
decide the fate of coup plotter George Speight, who is facing
treason charges, Fiji's High Court today found his group had
breached conditions for immunity.
Justice Peter Surnam was giving judgement in an appeal by
the state in a case of attempted murder against Speight
supporter Isoa Karawa.
Karawa had been released by the magistrate's court on the
grounds that he was covered by an immunity granted to Speight
and his group in return for ending a siege of parliament.
Karawa had faced charges over the shooting of a
television cameraman shortly after the May 19 coup.
Overturning the magistrate's court decision, Surnam said
conditions of the decree granting immunity had clearly been
breached because all arms stolen by the coup plotter had not
been returned to the military as required.
Bureau Report
