Men found guilty of plot against Bainimarama

The eight men accused of plotting to assassinate Fiji coup leader Frank Bainimarama have been found guilty by the High Court there.

In upholding the decision of five assessors yesterday, Judge Justice Paul Madigan said he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the men were guilty of conspiracy to murder.

He said he was also satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the men conspired with New Zealander Ballu Khan and others to commit the crime, Radio Fiji reported.

The eight men include Naitasiri high chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, former Fiji Intelligence Services Director Metuisela Mua, businessman Sivaniolo Naulago, and former CRW soldiers Feoko Gadekibau, Barbados Mills, Eparama Waqatairewa, Kaminieli Vosavere and Pauliasi Namulo.

The court found that between August 1 and November 3, 2007, the eight and others plotted an assassination attempt.

Mr Khan was arrested and severely beaten by authorities two years ago, but won a permanent stay of proceedings against him.

In theory, he cannot be retried. However, Fiji courts now work by military decree after the abrogation of the constitution last year.

Justice Madigan, who was appointed by military decree, heard evidence from Fiji Military Intelligence that Mr Khan was going to use arms and explosives from New Zealand.

It was alleged in court the New Zealand High Commission knew of the plot and supported it.

The plotting was said to have taken place in Mr Khan's Suva home - something he denied last night.

"We never planned anything, they [the military] came up with the plan and it was like they themselves were planning something. We were the collateral in case something went wrong," he told the Dominion Post.

Lawyers for the eight men are expected to file their mitigation this morning before Justice Madigan sentences them.

- NZPA