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The New Zealand government has denied any knowledge of a plot to assassinate Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama in 2007.
Yesterday, eight Fiji men were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to seven years for plotting to kill Bainimarama.
The eight, who denied the charge, were found guilty of conspiracy to murder.
Trial judge Justice Paul Madigan said Fiji-born businessman Ballu Khan, now based in New Zealand, was behind the plot.
Justice Madigan said he is convinced that the plot to kill Bainimarama was orchestrated by Khan, in collaboration with the eight accused, who include Naitasiri high chief Ratu Inoke Takiveikata who was jailed for seven years.
Justice Madigan said Khan’s business interests in Fiji waned after the military takeover in December 2006, and that Khan was eager to restore “his fortunes to their former felicitous state”.
The trial of the eight heard accusations that the Auckland businessman was arranging weapons from New Zealand to carry out the plot.
Radio New Zealand International reports that Khan, who was not on trial, denies the claims.
The report quotes the New Zealand government as saying it has also denied it was involved in anything more than providing consular assistance.
