Fiji rebels face court under tight security

Fiji rebels face court under tight security
REUTERS

SUVA, JULY 31: Fijian authorities began charging the first of hundreds of supporters of coup leader George Speight on Monday as the military-backed government tried to restore order to the country after 10 weeks of political turmoil.

Soldiers stood guard on the roof of Suva's old Parliament House as groups of around 10 rebels at a time began filing into two courtrooms inside to face unlawful Assembly charges which carry a maximum one-year jail term.

The rebels pleaded not guilty and were granted bail on payment of Fiji $50, ordered not to congregate or hold political assemblies and ordered to return to court in four weeks.

``These are not violent people. They were peacefully conducting their affairs when they were surprised by the military,'' said defence lawyer Rabo Matabalavu.

The military launched a raid on the rebels' camp in a Suva school last Thursday capturing more than 350 of them. Rebel leader Speight was detained by the military the night before. A lawyer said today that Speight and at least two aides have been injured in military custody. He did not give details.

Authorities on Monday also moved to strengthen order and stability after 10 weeks of political and social unrest. The military regained control of an Army barracks in Labasa where rebel soldiers had held some 40 other soldiers hostage for several weeks. The military had given the rebels until midnight on Monday to surrender or risk an assault.