Former journalist and publisher, Josefa Nata has strongly stated that he was not involved in any communication, planning, meetings or the execution of the events of 2000 and the coup was based on lies.
While sharing his story with the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Nata said the first indication he had of what was being planned came on the eve of the May 2000 coup.
He said he was at his apartment, which also served as his office, when a friend visited him and told him about discussions regarding a march that was to take place the following day.
Insert: Nata on 2000 plan, 20th June 26
Nata said he did not pursue the matter further because he believed they had come to him only in relation to a petition.
He also claimed that George Speight was part of the group that came to see him and that he had met Speight only once before.
Nata alleged that Speight entered the picture just two days before the May 2000 coup and was merely a front.
He stressed that he wants to demystify the events of 2000 and challenge what he described as the false notion that the coup perpetrators were heroes in the eyes of some iTaukei people.
Nata said that, if anything, those involved were misguided and that the concept of the modern Matanitu Vanua, which contributed to the formation of a political party in 2001, was founded on false premises that existed at the time.
He added that the concept was blanket, parochial and ultimately unworkable.
Nata also told the Commission that he appeared before it carrying a heavy burden because he had been involved in what he described as one of the darkest periods in Fiji's history.
He said it was a dark period because of the destruction that occurred in Suva and other parts of the country.
Insert: Nata on destruction, 20th June 26
Nata said he deserved every day of the 24 years he spent in prison and that anyone who engages in foolish actions must be prepared to face the consequences.
He added that he will forever carry the shame and responsibility of his misguided involvement.
