Expert describes coup leaders as hotheads

A leading expert on Fiji politics describes the group which has taken over the country as a band of disaffected individuals with private agendas.

The group's leader George Speight, the son of an opposition politician, has claimed executive power and revoked the constitution in a broadcast on local radio.

Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and seven cabinet ministers have been taken hostage in the Parliament buildings in Suva.

Professor Brij Lal of the Australian University in Canberra, is sure the group is not army backed - though they may have some private support from opposition parties.

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