TREASON JOURNALIST SUSPECT ASKS FOR BAIL

SUVA (Pacific Media Watch): Rebel media spin doctor Josefa Nata, a former prominent journalism trainer, has asked the High Court to dump the treason charges against him and let him out on bail, the Fiji Times reports.

According to the newspaper on 15 February 2002, Nata argued that the treason charges had no basis because they "applied to offences against the British sovereign".

Nata reportedly argued that the laws were amended when Fiji became a republic after the 1987 coup. He also requested bail.

Until the May 2000 putsch, Nata had been a prominent journalist, publisher and public relations personality.

In the late 1990s, he was coordinator of the Fiji Journalism Institute (FJI), a training body operated by the Fiji Islands Media Association (FIMA). It was supported by the local media industry and funded by donor organisations such as UNESCO.

FJI ceased operations in 1999 amid controversy over funding allegations.

After George Speight's attempted coup on 19 May 2000, Nata surfaced as the main media minder for the illegal takeover of Parliament and the holding of the Mahendra Chaudhry government as hostages.

Nata, who is currently detained on Nukulau prison isle near Suva, is due to go on trial for treason with Speight and 10 others on Monday.

Also on trial are Speight's brother Jim Speight, Apenisa Ravutiqica, Simione Drole, Ilisoni Ligairi, Ratu Timoci Silatolu, Joseva Savua, Maciu Navakasuasua, Samu Konataci, Iliesa Duvuloco and Peceli Vuniwa.

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