New Zealand ready to help Fiji police with treason case

New Zealand could provide police specialists to Fijian authorities trying to prosecute the coup plotters.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff has confirmed our Police Commissioner has received a request from his Fijian counterpart.

There are concerns the treason case against George Speight could collapse because of a shortage of skills in the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr Goff says New Zealand is likely to respond positively to the request, providing a senior officer to review the case.

He admits on the face of it, there appears to be plenty of evidence that Speight committed treason.

However, Phil Goff says that evidence needs to be put in a form that meets the requirements of the courts.

"For justice to be done, the investigation and the prosecution of the treason charges need to be thoroughly carried out and properly proceeded.

"If this does not occur there is a risk the case will fail," says Mr Goff.

The Australian Police Commissioner has also recieved a request for assistance.

- IRN