SUVA, Fiji (3 Sep 2000) -- The man who brought down Fiji could go free today if chief magistrate, Sailesi Temo, rules in favor of a defence motion to drop all charges. Lawyers who represent George Speight, the leader of an armed gang that overthrew Fiji's government, argue that his arrest and indictment on charges of treason should be overturned because he was granted amnesty under a peace deal signed in July. Prosecutors argue the accord was signed under duress and that Speight and his 16 co-defendants have no immunity from prosecution on charges of treason. If the charges are dropped, the international community is expected to impose new sanctions against Fiji. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK | | Racist rebel leader George Speight The Bahamas strandings have put the Navy under even more scrutiny. A small Navy fleet in nearby waters had conducted |
