Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Ousted Fiji Prime Minister files an appeal against High Court ruling

Posted at 23:07 on 11 November, 2008 UTC

The ousted Fiji Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, has filed an appeal against the High Court ruling that validated the overthrow of his multi-party Government in December 2006.

Fiji Live online reports Mr Qarase said that his party, SDL, wants overseas judges appointed to hear the appeal.

Five other members of his multi-party Government - Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Adi Sivia Qoro and Josefa Vosanibola - have joined in the appeal.

A High Court panel, including the acting Chief Justice Anthony Gates, Justice Davendra Pathik and Justice John Byrnes, on October 9 dismissed the case challenging the overthrow of the Qarase government.

Mr Qarase said the judgment has far reaching consequences for Fiji and for any nation that faces danger from a military with aggressive political ambitions.

He said the judgment by the High Court will actually encourage further coups and every effort must be made to have its findings overturned.