Nata alleges assassination plots during 2000 coup

Former 2000 coup figure Josefa "Jo" Nata has made explosive claims before the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, alleging that assassination plots targeting key individuals were discussed during the political crisis.

Giving evidence before the Commission, Mr Nata said he had initially intended to reveal more details about events surrounding the coup but expressed concerns about the Commission's ability to independently verify evidence presented before it.

Despite those concerns, he made what he described as a serious allegation.

“There were planned assassinations of key people,” Mr Nata told the Commission.

“Two were actually in the process of being executed but, by the grace of God, were aborted.”

“This is a serious statement.”

Mr Nata did not identify the alleged targets during his testimony but said the matters he was referring to were significant and required proper investigation.

He questioned the absence of investigative powers within the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process, arguing that the Commission should be able to verify claims and compel witnesses to provide evidence.

“My first misgiving is the absence of the subpoena power of the Commission,” he said.

“A TRC should go the whole hog or not at all.”

“The people who should really be fronting this Commission are sitting happy out there, enjoying the fruits of their misadventures and have no intention of talking about their misdeeds, unless they are compelled to.”

Mr Nata also claimed that key figures involved in the events of 2000 had yet to fully account for their actions.

He said some individuals who escaped prosecution still owed it to the people of Fiji to cooperate with the Commission.

“Those that are covered by constitutional immunity should testify,” he said.

“They cannot have their cake and eat it too.”

During his testimony, Mr Nata also spoke about the role of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit (CRW), arguing that despite criticism levelled against them over the years, their presence prevented more serious violence from occurring.

“Despite how they may have been negatively portrayed, if it had been not for them, worse things would have happened to those held hostage,” he said.

He further alleged that Parliament House could have been destroyed after the hostage crisis had ended.

“Had it not been for them, Parliament House would have been torched to the ground when it was vacated.”

Mr Nata said there remained many unanswered questions about the events surrounding the 2000 coup and argued that a complete understanding of Fiji's political history would require the participation of all major figures involved.

“The work of the TRC is incomplete, however way you look at it, without the participation of Bainimarama and Khaiyum,” he said.

“Their story will always be integral to finding solutions and charting the path forward.”

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission continues to hear evidence from individuals connected to Fiji's coups as part of efforts to establish an accurate historical record and promote national healing.