SUVA, Fiji – Accusations of treason against top Fiji officials went unreported because, according to a Fiji Police spokeswoman, an investigating officer was unavailable to take down the complaints.

According to police, all allegations of treason will be filed with Police Commissioner Commodore Esala Teleni.

Among the top Fiji officials implicated, however, are Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Teleni. The allegations came from the ousted Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, as well as the former Opposition Leader, Mick Beddoes.

Qarase told Fiji Live, that he was asked to give his statement at the Raiwaqa Police Station, only to be “turned away because an investigating officer was not available.” Meanwhile, the police said that the matter did not warrant investigation.

“We haven’t received any update on that case for now. When we do receive the complaints, it will be forwarded directly to the commissioner’s desk and it will be filed, but as far as investigations are concerned, there will be none,” said police spokeswoman Ema Mua.

Teleni was reportedly out of the country on “unspecified official business.” Mua added that Teleni’s schedule is unpredictable, making his date of return to Fiji uncertain.

For more information, please see:
Pacific Magazine – Police Continue To Hold Off On Processing Treason Complaints – 14 September 2008

Fiji Live – Fiji treason files ‘only for top cop’ – 14 September 2008