George Speight formally charged with treason

12:40 PM

Fiji coup leader George Speight has been formally charged with treason in a Suva court today.

Speight and 24 others were before the magistrate's court facing treason charges.

Charges against nine soldiers involved in the May plot were withdrawn, but the Crown Prosecutor has told the court the soldiers will face new charges of mutiny and desertion.

Speight and the remaining defendants were formally charged with treason and the case was adjourned to October 25.

However, a four day hearing has just begun to determine whether Speight can continue to be held on a nearby prison island.

Downtown Suva has been brought to a standstill as a major security operation accompanies the hearing.

- IRN