FIJI TIMES Tuesday, September 09, 2008
INTERIM Defence Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau has refused to comment on Police Commissioner Esala Teleni's decision not to investigate a complaint of treason lodged against the interim regime.
Nor will he issue a directive to the Police Commissioner on the issue.
However, the Pacific Centre for Public Integrity has called on Mr Teleni to step aside and allow police officers to conduct a full and proper inquiry into the complaint of treason.
PCPI campaigner Peter Waqavonovono said in the interest of fairness and to maintain the integrity of the investigation, Mr Teleni's immediate suspension should not be negotiable. "The fact that he is included in the complaints list and he heads the Fiji Police Force poses a serious conflict of interest on his part and he is likely to compromise this investigation," he said.
He said it was also a matter of serious public concern that the Samabula Police Station refused to accept the complaint.
The treason complaint was filed on Friday by deposed PM Laisenia Qarase and Samisoni Tikoinasau, Ted Young, Mere Samisoni, Dr Tupeni Baba and Sivia Qoro. The next day deposed Opposition Leader Mick Beddoes filed a similar complaint at the Sabeto Police Station.