Soldier arrested for being armed in public

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PEOPLE'S COALITION GOVERNMENT, FIJI

Soldier arrested for being armed in public

Issue No: 826 6 June 2001

A junior ranking soldier was arrested over the weekend for being armed in public.

Media reports state that the soldier was carrying a pistol in Suva. The pistol was from the military armoury, and was taken out for the military's shooting practice the same day. The military stated that it was investigating how could a solider take a gun and not return it after training.

Sophisticated military weapons were released by the military to the terrorists in May last year. Since then, numerous military-issued weapons are still out in the hands of terrorists. The military has stopped the search for these weapons. It is believed that the many terrorists still not charged, and those who were charged and have been released, have had discussions and meetings. It is further believed that some prominent politicians have been behind organising them. One source indicates that the terrorists will most likely regroup and make another "final" assault on state institutions. Earlier, in his affidavit to the High Court, the Commander of the Military Forces, Com. Frank Bainimarama had stated that the threat of a terrorist uprising still exists.

Meanwhile the military has stated that it will proceed this month with the court martial of soldiers who were involved with the terrorists last year.

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