Speight Case Begins

Issue No: 805 29 May 2001

The treason case against terrorist George Speight and others begins today with an oral preliminary inquiry.

The inquiry is held before Chief Magistrate Salesi Temo. Over 200 witnesses have been summoned to appear before the Magistrate to establish whether there is a case to answer.

The case starts over one year after the terrorists took over the Parliament Complex and held the elected government hostage. It is understood that the preliminary inquiry will take many weeks. During this time, it is expected that the terrorists will be kept in Suva prison.

There are renewed speculation that the inquiry will provide the foundation for another civil unrest as the supporters of the terrorists are still out free and numerous military issued weapons are in the hands of the terrorists.

It is also believed that some in the Qarase regime are against having an election and are looking for excuses to get the election deferred.

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