George Speight to defend himself in Fiji treason case

1:00 PM

Fiji coup leader George Speight will defend himself in court when committal proceedings in the treason case against him resume next Tuesday.

Yesterday in the Fiji Magistrate's Court, Speight sacked his lawyer, Rabo Matebalavu, and sources in Fiji say he will now defend himself.

Mr Matebalavu will continue to represent the 12 other men facing the single treason charge which lists 13 "overt acts" relating to the storming of Fiji's Parliament on May 19 last year and holding Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and his Government hostage.

Chief Magistrate Salesi Temo adjorned the preliminary inquiry – which will assess whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case in the High Court - for a week yesterday after Mr Matebalavu made an application to allow Speight to have a separate solicitor in the treason case.

Mr Matebalavu told Chief Magistrate Temo that while he had represented Speight until now "it is in the best interests that (Speight) be represented separately".

It is understood the coup leader will now seek the assistance of a lawyer to advise him during proceedings.

Sources close to Speight said he was confident he had witnesses to provide evidence on his behalf.

When the inquiry continues it will hear the testimonies of 244 witnesses, including Mahendra Chaudhry and former president, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

Proceedings have been shifted to the High Court in Suva to allow sufficient space for lawyers, witnesses and the suspects.

In evidence presented before the adjournment yesterday, prosecution lawyer Gerard McCoy said the coup plotters had planned to blow up Fiji's Parliament and the Westpac and ANZ banks in central Suva.

Mr McCoy said they also planned to issue petrol bombs to dockers to sink ships and to youths to attack shops.

Speight and the 12 other men were returned to the island of Nukulau.

- FIJI VILLAGE NEWS

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