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Fiji’s High Court today heard that statements given by State witness Peniasi Kuli to police in November 2007 said his bosses in military intelligence “did not” believe there were plans to sabotage national infrastructure.
Defence lawyer Akuila Naco referred to Kuli’s statements during the trial today of his client, Naitasiri chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, who, along with seven others, is charged with conspiracy to assassinate Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and then Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
Kuli had earlier told the court that he met with former agriculture minister Apisai Tora and Takiveikata where discussions featured about blowing up the Nadi International Airport and the Monasavu dam, in relation to the alleged conspiracy.
During cross examination, Naco asked Kuli whether his superiors saw Takiveikata as a threat to national security upon the basis of Kuli’s November 2006 police report.
“Yes,” Kuli replied.
Naco also asked Kuli how long he had served with the intelligence services and what his education level was, to which he answered, “10 years and Form Five”.
Naco also told the court that Kuli, in his police report, said information collated and submitted by him to his superiors was classed “A-grade”.
Naco asked Kuli to tell the court if he frequently sought the assistance of relatives to assist him with intelligence gathering.
“Yes, that’s correct,” Kuli said.
Upon further cross examination, Kuli denied that he had approached Ratu Inoke and asked him to be part of the military’s plan to destabilise the government.
Kuli also denied that the idea to assassinate Bainimarama and his group was first suggested by him, saying “He (Takiveikata) was the one that told me that the Commander was to be killed”.
Naco told the court his client did not want to be involved in any subversive activity when Kuli approached him as he was focused on spending time with his family and business.
The trial continues tomorrow.
