TV3 News

Thursday, 13 July 2000, 6:22 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

FIJI COUP BREAKING NEWS – Hostages Released – A Nation Holds Its Breath – NZ Reaction – Tourism – OTHER NEWS – NZ Nazi Jailed in Levin - Moana Sinclair – Cop Sells Pot – US Police Brutality

FIJI COUP – HOSTAGES RELEASED: Fiji’s hostages have been released an hour ago after 56 days. We are not sure if reporters are allowed to talk to them yet . A forgiveness ceremony was held before the release. Freedom came after the Great Council of Chiefs came to the Parliamentary Compound and agreed to terms to an amnesty.

FIJI COUP – A NATION HOLDS ITS BREATH: Today the nation of Fiji held its breath waiting for the release. As yet another deadline set for the release of the hostages passed the GCC gathered to decide on who the new President should be. The Army is determined that nothing should disrupt the meeting of the chiefs. The hostages were to be released last night. Today a Red Cross truck went to collect the hostages but left empty. George Speight says he is going to go home and have a sleep.

FIJI COUP – NZ REACTION: For once a promise from George Speight came true but the NZ Government is under fire from the Indian community for not doing enough. NZ’s Fijian-Indian community wants a diplomatic freeze on Fiji and more sanctions. Phil Goff however is still holding fire. NZ could decide not to attend the South Pacific Forum if Speight attends as a possible protest. A spokesman for the Indian community says it is fed up with the diplomatic double talk. A Foreign Affairs expert – Terrence O’Brien – says NZ could now take a lead with the international reaction.

FIJI COUP – TOURISM: Fiji’s problems continue. Indigenous Fijians have taken over two more resorts. One a backpackers destination and another resort. The NZ Government today issued another alert warning people from travelling to Fiji. Fiji’s tourism board has a $5 million ad campaign to go now the hostages are released.

NZ NAZI JAILED: A Nazi sympathiser is sentenced to jail in Levin. The man was found with lists of Maori Marae and Jewish Synagogues. The lists were found with firearms and ammunition. The man was also found with bomb making equipment. Books on the mans shelves were about war and terrorism. Police are pleased with a sentence of three years handed down.

MOANA SINCLAIR: A landmark court decision means police can no longer pursue. Levin District Court has decided that Sinclair’s paper license is valid for 12 months after her license expired. Sinclair says her career and reputation has been trashed in the media and is not happy about the problems she has faced. Sinclair was charged with driving her car while forbidden. Sinclair’s boss Minister Sandra Lee says she looks forward to the contribution Sinclair will make.

COP SELLS POT: A four week long investigation has led to a police officer being charged with selling pot.

US POLICE BRUTALITY: The arrest of a Philedelphia suspect accused of a cop shooting is beaten and kicked by police at his arrest. The footage appears to show the suspect being badly beaten. The police are investigating the incident.

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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