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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902\charrsid13195902 CRIMINAL CASE NO: HAC0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 028 OF 2003S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 STATE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 v.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 RATU JOPE SENILOLI
\par RATU RAKUITA VAKALALABURE
\par RATU VILIAME VOLAVOLA
\par PECELI RINAKAMA
\par VILIAME SAVU
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 28th June 2004
\par Sentence:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 6th August 2004
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Mr. G. Allan, Ms A. Prasad for State;
\par Mr. M. Raza for 1st Accused;
\par Mr. A.K. Singh for 2nd Accused;
\par Mr. S. Naqase for 3rd & 5th Accused;
\par Mr. A. Seru for 4th Accused.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 SENTENCING
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par The five defendants, Ratu Jope Seniloli, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, Ratu 
Viliame Volavola, Mr. Peceli Rinakama and Mr. Viliame Savu have all been found guilty of taking an engagement in the nature of an oath purporting to bind them to commit acts of treason.
\par 
\par The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 There have
 been, to my knowledge, no previous sentences passed in relation to section 5 of the Public Order Act in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
Thus, there is no established tariff for the offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
As such I will pick starting points for each accused depending, in each case, on differing levels of culpability and participation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 In picking starting points in each case, I am conscious also, of the seriousness of the offence itself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 The taking of an oath purporting to bind persons to acts of treason, is potentially an offence, which causes great insecurity and fear amongst those who witness it.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 When it is widely publicised, as this ceremony was, it causes widespread insecurity and fear amongst the people of Fiji.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 In this case, in respect of all the defendants, there is an element also, of betr
ayal, betrayal of traditional leadership and of oaths of office already taken under the law.
\par 
\par The oaths taken in this case, were part and parcel of a number of events in Parliament after the 19th of May which caused great instability in the country.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Many lives were destroyed and disrupted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
The President eventually stepped aside from office and a resulting period of legal uncertainty caused more chaos and anguish in Fiji.
\par 
\par I have perused the authorities in other treason-related sentences passed, referred to me by counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 In }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 State v. Samu Konataci & Others}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902  Scott J imposed sentences of 1\'bd
 years, 2 years and 3 years imprisonment on a number of men charged with unlawfully confining the hostages in Parliament.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
However each had been held in remand for 13 to 19 months prior to sentence, an effective term of imprisonment of 2 to 2\'bd years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Thus, Ilisoni Ligairi for instance received the equivalent of 5\'bd years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Further, all accused persons pleaded guilty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 In }{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 State v. Viliame Savu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902  Cr. Action HAC 010.02S, Ga
tes J sentenced the accused, (the 5th defendant in this case) to 2 years imprisonment for misprison of treason.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
He considered 3 years imprisonment to be appropriate but reduced the term on the grounds of age (then 65 years) and 3 months spent in custody.
\par 
\par I have also been referred to }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 State v. Silatolu & Nata}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902  Crim. Action HAC 011 of 2001.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 The offences were treason and both accused were sentenced to life terms with minimum fixed terms of 9 and 7 years.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 However because the two defendants were convicted of actu
ally conducting the takeover of Parliament, I do not derive much assistance from that case.
\par 
\par I do note however that all persons convicted of coup-related cases have received custodial sentences, and that all the judges concerned referred to the great harm which resulted from the coup, the damage done to lives, livelihood, the economy and Fiji
\rquote s reputation abroad.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
Clearly all judges were of the view that deterrent custodial sentences were inevitable given the enormity of the events which arose from the crisis of 2000.
\par 
\par Of course, not all of the events in Parliament can be laid at the defendants\rquote  door.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
Indeed I accept that none of the defendants was part of the takeover nor was responsible for it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
Further, I also accept that in times of crisis and emergency, it is not always easy to act wisely.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
Many people in Fiji may have regrets about the wisdom of their actions in 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Wisdom is easy in hindsight.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I think that this is particularly so, in this case for Ratu Volavola who expressed in his interview both disqui
et and disillusionment about the turn of events in Parliament after the 20th of May 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
However, all defendants lent their weight, the weight of their social status, their traditional status and of their official status to the coup.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 The sentences I pass 
in this case, must express the disapproval of all our communities to the acts of those who support illegal coups, who agree to form illegal governments with rebels, and who deliberately undermine and destroy the authority of the President of Fiji and of t
he rule of law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 The sentences I pass must reflect that disapproval in the context of Fiji\rquote 
s history of political instability and illegal takeovers of government.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Ratu Jope Seniloli
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par You swore an oath to serve as an Interim President in the Speight government when you knew that Fiji already had a lawful President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Yours was an act of the deliberate flouting of the law, and the failure to support, the lawful President.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I pick as my starting point, 6 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par I have consider
ed all the mitigating circumstances outlined by counsel, your good character, your years of service to the community, your current position as the Vice-President of Fiji, your position of traditional leadership on Bau and your many years as a school teach
er.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I also take into account your apology in court, your age and the delay in the laying of charges.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 For these factors, I give you a discount of 3 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
However, I cannot ignore that you, as a chief of Bau, supported Speight and his illegal regime in order to give it credibility and weight.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
Nor can I ignore the fact that, at a time when you as a traditional leader were expected to lead your people towards respect for the law and support for the lawful authority of Ratu Mara, you failed to display such leadership.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par Your act was a betrayal of those expectations.
\par 
\par In these circumstances I consider that the sentence should be increased by 2 years to reflect these matters.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
I consider that a sentence of 5 years imprisonment to be appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 However
, in the light of your age, I reduce it further by one year to 4 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
Having heard the evidence in this case, I am left in no doubt that much of the planning for the Speight government was done by you.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
This is obvious from the videos shown during the trial.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
Further, I consider that you also had some input into the choosing of ministers for various portfolios.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
You yourself earlier accepted a position as Home Affairs Minister before you swore the oath to be Attorney-General.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
To reflect your greater culpability, I choose a starting point of 8 years imprisonment.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par In your favour is your good character, the remorse expressed on your behalf by counsel, your army record and your service to the country both as a peacekeeper and as a lawyer and a Parliamentarian.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I also take into account your family circumstances and all I have heard about your wife and your children.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I also take into account the disciplinary proceedings conducted by the Law Society, which resulted in a finding that you would be debarred for life.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 The charge was the swearing of the oath in the Speight Government thereby being guilty of professional misconduct.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 That order has now been stayed by the Court of Appeal pending appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Further, I accept as counsel says, that any period of incarceration is traumatic for you and that you are shocked and demoralised by the court proceedings.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I also take into account the delay since 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 To reflect these matters, I reduce your sentence by half, to 4 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par However I cannot disregard the fact that as a lawyer you were expected wisely to counsel those around you.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
As a lawyer you should have been prepared to fight for the rule of law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Instead you worked with those who destroyed it.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Also aggravating your sentence is that you betrayed your oath as a Parliamentarian and showed no commitment to democracy in Fiji.}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
This country should have been able to look to our young educated leaders, particularly those with legal qualifications, to lead with a vision for the future.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Leadership is easy in stable and calm times.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
It is really put to the test in times of adversity.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
Your failure to lead others along the correct path after the takeover of Parliament may have led the other defendants to believe that the Speight government had some legal status.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I increase the term by two years to reflect these aggravating circumstances and sentence you to 6 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Ratu Viliame Volavola
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par I set your level of culpability as one, which is lower than that of the 1st and 2nd defendant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
Although I have no hesitation in rejecting your suggestion that you were forced to take the oath, I accept that you took part in the Speight government because you felt in a misguided moment, that you were helping the people of Fiji.
\par 
\par I take as the starting point 4 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
I reduce that by 3 years for good character (I disregard your very old previous convictions), service in the military, the delay since 2000, your expressed regret and remorse, your family circumstances and many years of service to the community.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
I also consider the fact that you withdrew your support from the coup when you realised that those involved in it had unacceptable motives.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 This speaks well for your sense of personal honour.
\par 
\par However I cannot disregard the fact that you, a Lieutenant-Colonel in the army, lent your support to a government you knew was unlawful and did not have the support of your superior officers.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Certainly you betrayed Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and the Commander of the Military Forces.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 You also betrayed your Constitutional oath as a Parliamentarian.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 You failed to uphold the rule of law and democracy.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
After adjusting for mitigating and aggravating circumstances I arrive at a sentence of 3 years imprisonment.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Mr. Peceli Rinakama
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par In your case also, I choose as my starting point 4 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
I take into account all that has been said on your behalf, your good character, your family circumstances, the delay in the case, your career and your service to the community at Naitasiri.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I also accept that you might not have taken the oath had it not been for the support of your traditional leaders, and you may have thought you had little choice in the matter.
\par 
\par However, you also were and are, a leader in your own right.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 You were a member of Parliament and 
you betrayed your oath of office and your colleagues then held hostage, to take a position in the Speight government.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
You gave the Speight government strength and you undermined the efforts of the President of Fiji, to restore law and order in Fiji.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Your actions undermined Parliamentary democracy and respect for the law.
\par 
\par I consider that a sentence of 3 years imprisonment to be appropriate, and sentence you accordingly.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Mr. Viliame Savu
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par Having read the sentencing remarks of the trial judge in your trial on the charge of misprison of treason, I consider that you played an active role in the events in Parliament.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 You clearly knew about the planning of the coup, and arrived at the Complex on the 20th to see how you could gain from it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 You did not hesitate to accept the position offered to you, and I have no doubt that you willingly, even enthusiastically, lent your support to the illegal regime.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 However I accept that you had a lesser role than the others.
\par 
\par I also pick as my starting point 4 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I take into account your family circumstances and your career.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
I have also considered the evidence of Mr. Ilaitia Vere Tuisovivi, from the Prison Fellowship who spoke on your behalf to say that you had helped the Fellowship.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 These matters do you credit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I
 note that you are due for an operation shortly but consider that arrangements can be made for this by the Prisons Department.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
However I cannot treat you as a first offender as I have the other defendants.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I consider a sentence of 4 years imprisonment to b
e appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
I note however that you have served 2 years imprisonment for a related offence and consider that if you had been tried for both offences in one trial, you may have received concurrent sentences.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 However any sentence for this offence would ha
ve been longer than that for misprison of treason, because the act of taking an oath to commit treason requires active participation unlike the passive role played by any accused in relation to misprison.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I therefore deduct 2 years from the 4 years I impose on you.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 I arrive at a sentence of 2 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
I deduct a further year on account of your age.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13195902  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 You are sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.
\par 
\par In summary the sentences are as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Ratu Jope Seniloli - 4 years imprisonment;
\par Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure - 6 years imprisonment;
\par Ratu Viliame Volavola - 3 years imprisonment;
\par Mr. Peceli Rinakama - 3 years imprisonment;
\par Mr. Viliame Savu - 12 months imprisonment.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13195902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5784586\charrsid13195902 
\par At Suva
\par 6th August 2004
\par }}