SUVA (Pacnews) — Four former Fijian soldiers held in custody in Bougainville are to reappear in the Buka District Court for joining an unauthorized force.
The first secretary at the Fiji High Commission in Port Moresby, Dan Johnson, said the men, Jolame Gukirewa, Manasa Dumuloto, Kalivati Dau and Aliki Moroca, will be recalled to court on March 7 where their pleas will be taken.
“Right now, we are aware of the one charge, and that is their unlawful joining of an unauthorized force,” Johnson said.
He visited them last week in Buka and assured that they were all in high spirit.
“They have access to telephone and other facilities that require them to get in constant contact with their families in Fiji. They have been doing that daily. We are thankful to the Autonomous Government of Bougainville for assisting the Fijian men,” he added.
Apart from providing consular advice, the Fijian diplomatic office is also assisting with legal service for the four men.
“We are facilitating legal representation for them and hope to get that soon,” Johnson said.
He added that plans to send them back to Fiji are on hold now until they have faced the law in Papua New Guinea.
“They are aware of the consequences of their action and are ready to face the law in Papua New Guinea. If and when they are sent to Port Moresby, they will also be charged by the central government, it could be for breaching immigration rules,” Johnson said.
The four men arrived in Buka on Feb. 19 under heavy police escort and were held in custody at the Buka police station. The fifth Fijian, Maloni Namoli, is still in Tonu and is expected to join the group soon.