Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Fiji mutiny suspect in run for top prisons job
Fiji mutiny suspect in run for top prisons job
A military officer who could become Fiji’s next commissioner of prisons will face a court martial panel next month for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the military commander in January.
The military spokesman, Major Neumi Leweni, says more than 50 witnesses are ready to testify against Lt Col Jone Baledrokadroka.
He says the head of the military’s legal services, Major Kitione Tuinausara, is also a witness in the case and he will be replaced by Lt Col Mohammed Aziz to lead the prosecution team.
Major Leweni says it is unethical of the public service commission to even consider Lt Col Baledrokadroka for the post of commissioner of prisons because of the serious charges against him.
Fiji’s Land Force Commander, Col Pita Driti, warned yesterday that the military will not accept or condone appointment of Lt Col Baledrokadroka as the next commissioner of prisons.
The chairman of the PSC, Stuart Huggett, has confirmed that Lt Col Baledrokadroka is one of two candidates short-listed for the job.
Mr Huggett says the PSC was aware that Lt Col Baledrokadroka was facing a court martial before he was shortlisted, but under the law he’s innocent until proven guilty.
He says the military shouldn’t be interefering in the PSC’s affairs.
“I’m sorry but they’ve been outraged in the past. I don’t know whether they should actually be interfering in the affairs of the PSC anyway.”
The chairman of Fiji’s public service commission, Stuart Huggett.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Save The Children: Heat-stricken Bangladesh Extends School Closures
Hayden Stephens and Associates: Record Class Action Settlement Gives Hope To 50,000 Australian Junior Doctors
UN News: Healing Page By Page In Earthquake-affected Türkiye
Save The Children: Rate Of Attacks On Healthcare in Gaza Higher Than In Any Other Conflict Since 2018
UN News: Green Light For New Cholera Vaccine, Ukraine Attacks Condemned, Action Against Racism
Laureus: Grand Slam Champion Garbiñe Muguruza Announces Retirement Ahead Of Laureus World Sports Awards