Former soldier shocks court by changing sedition plea

4.10 pm

SUVA - A former soldier accused of planning to abduct the Prime Minister of Fiji and senior civil servants shocked the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon when he changed his plea from guilty to not guilty.

Niumaia Cati, aged 49, had pleaded guilty this morning to possession of a seditious publication, after he apparently prepared an operational order for the removal of the President, abolition of the constitution and "other actions against the peace and good order of Fiji".

Police claim Cati was part of a group planning to kidnap Prime Mininster Laisenia Qarase, attorney general Qoriniasi Bale and military chief Commodore Voroqe (Frank) Bainimarama last week.

They allegedly planned to use their hostages to bargain for the release of George Speight who is facing a charge of treason in relation to the May 2000 coup. Speight is scheduled to stand trial next month.

The plan included destabilisation of the government, house arrest of senior military officers and government ministers and declaration of martial law.

The documents were prepared by Cati when he was serving with the Fiji military forces in Lebanon last year.

Following his guilty plea this morning, Cati was to reappear for sentencing this afternoon, He said he would tell the court his reasons for planning the coup.

Instead, his lawyer Tevita Fa told the court his client was changing his plea to not guilty.

Cati has been remanded in custody and the case has been adjourned until the 18th of this month.

George Speight has stated that he was not involved in the plan to abduct the Prime Minister and other senior civil servants.

George's older brother, Sam Speight Junior, says George was disappointed that some people were trying to use the people of Tailevu to cause instability in the country.

"He's confirmed his support for the government of the day and he is very happy with the legal process as it stands and we will take our course through the courts. He was very disappointed that people are using Nukulau (the island near Suva where Speight is being held) to create instability especially with what took place last week.

"He's requested that the vanua, our people not associate themselves in anyway with anyone who comes with this agenda of using Nukulau as a reason for some sort of unrest."

-

FIJI VILLAGE NEWS

High Court upholds Iloilo's decision to appoint Qarase as Prime Minister, clears way for August election

Full text plus audio:

Court of Appeal upholds constitution

Full text:

High Court rules in favour of Chaudhry

Fiji President names new Government

Main players in the Fiji coup

Fiji facts and figures