Guilty verdict over Fiji assassination plot

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A Fijian paramount chief and a group of former special forces soldiers are guilty of trying to assassinate military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama, the Fiji High Court has heard.

Five assessors delivered their verdict a short time ago, state controlled Fiji Broadcasting said.

In the case a Fiji born New Zealand businessman, Ballu Khan, was initially arrested and assaulted by police and soldiers.

He was later discharged.

Under Fiji's court system, assessors are only advisors to the court, and a judge can over-rule their decisions.

Justice Paul Madigan will deliver his judgment later today.

Those in the dock are Naitasiri high chief, Inoke Takiveikata, former spy chief Metuisela Mua, businessman Sivaniolo Naulago, and five former Counter Revolutionary Warfare soldiers.

The soldiers had all been Mr Khan's bodyguards.

- © Fairfax NZ News