A leaked document reveals that Fiji's indigenous leadership, including the chief justice, was preparing to dump the Indian-dominated government just three days after it was taken hostage by coup plotter George Speight.
Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and his government were seized on May 19 and held hostage for 58 days. They were replaced on May 29 when the military declared martial law.
But a document obtained by Agence France-Presse reveals three of the top judges told then President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara on May 22 that Chaudhry should be dismissed immediately.
"It is evident as the events continue to unfold that there will not be a return to the status quo ante and that the 1997 constitution may have to be amended," the document said.
It is claimed in a Fiji High Court case that the document was written by Chief Justice Sir Timoci Tuivaga and Justices Daniel Fatiaki and Michael Scott.
Fatiaki was due on Monday to hear a case involving the lobby group Citizens' Constitutional Forum which wants the court to order current President Josefa Iloilo to reconvene the now long-deposed parliament.
The caretaker government would have to resign and elections in August would be cancelled.
Two other High Court judges are understood to have provided affidavits claiming Fatiaki had compromised himself and could not hear the case.
Fatiaki was due to rule on Monday on an application to have himself barred from hearing the case.
© AFP
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