KEY POINTS:
A New Zealander accused of being involved in a plot to kill Fiji's coup leader Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has been released on bail, reports the Fiji Times.
Sivaniolo Waqa Naulago had been in prison since being arrested on November 3.
Meanwhile New Zealand businessman Ballu Khan is still in hospital after what he claims was a beating during his arrest by Fiji soldiers. Mr Khan has not been charged.
His lawyer Peter Williams QC told nzherald.co.nz that his client is suffering from "physical and mental conditions".
"We have a civil suit for damages and that's progressing well," Mr Williams said.
He said the civil case could take a while to come to court. When asked if the hearing could be fair in Fiji's current judicial climate, Mr Williams said: "one must have a trust in the rule of law. That is essential".
He said he will be flying back to Fiji once the civil case goes to court.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said New Zealand High Commission staff in Fiji last saw Mr Khan on December 10. He said staff were able to see Mr Khan when they wished.
The two New Zealanders are part of a larger group who are accused of plotting to kill Commodore Bainimarama and senior members of his government.
Yesterday former parliamentarian Peceli Rinakama was discharged and nine others had their charges downgraded and were released on bail, reports the Fiji Times.
The accused have been charged with three counts of conspiracy to murder. Prior to yesterday's hearing, they were charged with five counts each of conspiracy to murder and one count each of inciting to mutiny.
Magistrate John Semisi released the men on $1000 bail, with the same amount of surety.
Under bail conditions they cannot have contact with each other or interfere with State witnesses and cannot change their addresses without informing the court.
