Pacific

Further challenge expected against suspension of Fiji's GCC

15:59 pm on 24 May 2007

The lawyer for sacked members of Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs will file an additional legal argument in the High Court against their sacking and suspension of the meetings of the council.

Lawyer Kitione Vuetaki has told Radio Legend they want to ensure that the Great Council of Chiefs continues with its meetings without any disruptions.

He says they have obtained a copy of a paper written by Ba lawyer Dr Shamshud Dean Sahu Khan proposing that the Fiji Law society appoint a committee to recommend changes to the land legislation to the interim government.

Mr Vuetaki claims the changes would make unused native land go to the state to ensure that anyone can use land which is lying idle.

Mr Vuetaki says this is happening at a time when the Great Council of Chiefs is not there to protect the interests of the Fijian people.

He says they have also filed amended papers in the High Court to include the interim prime minister as a defendant because he gave the order to suspend the Great Council of Chiefs.

Those bringing the case are the sacked chairman of the GCC, Ratu Ovini Bokini, his deputy Ratu Sakiusa Makutu, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and Ratu Ratavo Lalabalavu.