Defence Council alleges collaboration

Defence Counsel in the Conspiracy to Murder trial, Iqbal Khan has alleged that Military personnel who are state witnesses are collaborating their evidence after discussing details of the case outside the court house.

Late yesterday, Khan questioned the State witness, RFMF Intelligence Unit Officer Auta Natuinivalu whether he talked to other soldiers outside court which the witness initial denied.

Khan then told Natuinivalu that he was seen to be talking to other soldiers at Albert Park after giving his evidence in court.

The witness than said yes, he was talking to other witnesses Peniasi Kuli, Kaidreli and Luke Toa but he maintained that it was not about the case.

Earlier this week, Khan also accused another witness Saula Lasagavibau of discussing his evidence with Peniasi Kuli alleging that he was told by Kuli what to say in his evidence. The witness denied the allegations.

Meanwhile, during cross examination Khan asked Natuinivalu of his primary objective when he joined Lance Corporal Peniasi Kuli's group.

Natuinivalu said his primary objective was to locate the missing weapons and to follow instructions from Kuli.

Khan then asked Natuinivalu that Kuli was the main boy and whether he had the authority in law to do what Kuli suggested to him to supporting the alleged plan to assassinate the Army Commander.

Natuinivalu told the court he was only asked by Kuli to assist and recover the missing weapons.

Khan than questioned Natuinivalu if Kuli had asked him to rob the bank would he do so? There was no response from the state witness.

The eight accused persons charged with conspiracy to murder Commodore Bainimarama, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mahendra Chaudhry are Naitasiri High chief, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, Feoko Gadekibau, Barbados Mills, Sivaniolo Naulago, Metuisela Mua, Eparama Waqatairewa, Kaminieli Vosavere and Pauliasi Ramulo.

The case resumes at 10am.