Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Fiji marks 12th anniversary of failed army mutiny

Posted at 03:57 on 02 November, 2012 UTC

The Fiji interim government has been marking the 12th anniversary of a mutiny at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva in which eight soldiers died.

Fijivillage reports that members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and close relatives held a dawn service to remember the three soldiers who remained loyal when mutineers allegedly tried to take over the barracks.

The following day, four of the alleged mutineers were assaulted and killed in a revenge action which has not been fully investigated.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama told the troops today that they should not forget the three soldiers who gave their lives protecting Fiji.

He also told them not listen to politicians, chiefs and church elders who are leaning towards parties like the SDL which he says aims to create differences and division.

Commodore Bainimarama says people should not forget what happened in 2000 and the need for the reforms following the coup in 2006.

A high chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata was given a life sentence for instigating the 2000 mutiny but in early 2007 the appeal court quashed the ruling and he was released from prison after serving 31 months.

In 2010, Takiveikata was jailed again when he was given a seven-year prison sentence for plotting to kill Commodore Bainimarama in late 2007.