NEGOTIATING THE ROUGH SEAS: Sitiveni Rabuka's revelation about meeting Bainimarama regarding the commissioning of RFNS PUAMAU should raise eyebrows. Bainimarama must be treated like any other common felon unless Rabuka is frightened of Bainimarama's navy boys, and their game plan
Last week Friday, I had visited the Former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama at the Korovou Prison
.
During our conversation, I took the opportunity to personally inform him that the very next day, on Saturday, I will be commissioning RFNS PUAMAU at the Stanley Brown Naval Base.
It's a project that the Former Prime Minister had been working on during his time as Commander of the Fiji Navy and in government. And now, it gives me immense pleasure to see his efforts come to fruition.
Let us continue to support and uplift each other as we work towards a brighter future for our beloved Fiji. Wishing you all a productive week ahead!
The vessel is named after late Able Seaman Timo Puamau, a Nayau, Lau native, who died on board a naval vessel that torpedoed in Solomon Island waters at the peak of World War II in the Pacific.
.
During our conversation, I took the opportunity to personally inform him that the very next day, on Saturday, I will be commissioning RFNS PUAMAU at the Stanley Brown Naval Base.
It's a project that the Former Prime Minister had been working on during his time as Commander of the Fiji Navy and in government. And now, it gives me immense pleasure to see his efforts come to fruition.
Let us continue to support and uplift each other as we work towards a brighter future for our beloved Fiji. Wishing you all a productive week ahead!
The vessel is named after late Able Seaman Timo Puamau, a Nayau, Lau native, who died on board a naval vessel that torpedoed in Solomon Island waters at the peak of World War II in the Pacific.
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LURKING BEHIND. Bainimarama Learning How to Carry Out a Coup
From Fijileaks Archive
Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Will we reach the depth for truth?
The Testimonials of George Speight Group to Board of Inquiry
BUKARAU: "Naupoto gave a short brief, which basically said, "if you try anything to escape or untie the rope, you will be dead". He said this 2-3 times. There were about 6 men in front of us, and a lot more at the back with weapons...We received kicks, rifle butts and continuous verbal abuses. George, Ligairi and Silatou were getting most of the abuses and we had people rubbing their boots on the back of our heads. We than sailed to Nukulau through Beqa waters. We were constantly assaulted and abused thoughout the 2 hours or so journey. We were soaked and from the rough seas. I could feel that certain individuals did not have their hearts and minds on what was happening (assault and abuses). I received a swelling on the left side of my face and 3 days later we were taken to hospital."
KOROVUSERE: "It was still dark when we reached the Naval Base. Naupoto warned us that if we tried to do anything, we would be shot. Mua was kicked on the esohagus. Silatolu at one stage had difficuty breathing due to the continuous punching. I was asked about Adi Samanunu and what she was doing in the country. I was kicked on the face. They told us to experience life in the navy and one of our detainees was threatened of being sexually assaulted, and that it was normal in the Navy. Once we arrived near Nukulau, one of the boys said I was his Commanding Officer in Sinai and Lebanon, whilst I was being kicked and had his foot on my head. Our hands were released at about 0800hrs once we were inside the perimeter fence."
LIGAIRI: "Upon arrival [at the Naval Base] I was the second last to board the awaitig ship. We were moved to the forecastle and we were handled roughly. NAUPOTO briefed us and his orders were very aggressive. I had a feeling that he didn't care about who we were. I never expected Fijians to behave and act in that manner. I was so confused that I did not listen to what they were saying or asking. A lot of questions about my ability to change myself into rats and other things were put forward. I was assaulted with punches, rifle butts, kicks to my head and body. I was also very concerned about our safety particulalry with our hands tied at our backs and the possiblity of us getting washed to the sea. The assault inflicted on me has caused me headaches, blurred vision and this is due to a rifle barrel pushed to the side of my head."
SAVUA: "We were than taken to the Naval Base. Upon arrival we boarded the ship and briefed by Naupoto, "If you try anything to escape or untie the rope, you will be dead". One of the navy personnel began verbal abuses. Abusive verbal language was hurled at me and others, "Savua/Mua drau vei cai". One of them asked me if I wanted to be Commander. They stated that this was Commander's (Bainimarama's) vessel...They even threatened to sexually assault Nata and stated that it was quite common in the Navy. They continued to butt and assault us. Wainiqolo was inflicting most of the punishment...The assault continued right until we arrived at Nukulau and when the ship was anchored off at Nukulau"
MUA: "We were driven to Walu Bay. They told us to come out of the truck one by one. I was walking behind Speight when he was thumped from the back. We were ushered to the forecastle of KIRO. We were seated between the gun turrett and the wave breaker. As soon as the ship left the pier the assault started. I was kicked in the face, rifle butted on the face and verbally abused. I lost one tooth in the process. This sequence went on for approximately 3 hours until we got here (Nukulau). My vision was blurred for 3 days due to the injuries I sustained. I was kicked around and on the esophagus. When this happened, I almost lost all consciousness and I thought I was going to die. We were told that we were going to an unknown destination...During the transfer to Nukulau, I slipped and was given two more kicks before I reached ashore. I cannot believe that people could be so brutal. The Military Police (MP) who were on Nukulau wept and asked us to forgive them for what had happened on the ship [Kiro]"
KONATACI: "We were taken to the Naval Base and as soon as we arrived, they shoved us onto the ship and forced us to the forecastle. We were given instrcutions to stay in one place and not to move or we would be shot. We were told to sit in front of the ship (forecastle), and as we sat down we were punched, kicked and verbally abused whilst our hands were tied. It seemed they were acting on instructions. As we left the harbour towards the open sea, I was very frightened naturally because I came from the highlands. My hand was kicked and my fingers were crushed with a boot, which was fractured. It was around 07000hrs, when we arrived near Nukulau. I could see others carrying injuries...A lot of verbal abuse was hurled at us. The two Lauan colleagues particularly copped a lot of abuse. I thought that we would be treated well and arrested as political prisoners and not be treated the way we were."
NATA: "We were taken to Naval Base and as soon as we got off, I was punched on the left, and I knew we were in for a rough ride. Once we got to the forecastle, we were warned in unequivocal terms that we were to follow orders. We were taken for a 2 and half hours ride and throughout the journey I was punched, kicked, butted and abused. Apart from the inhumane treatment, I was disappointed with the sexual taunts and the threat to be sexually assaulted. We were threatened and one particular chap WAINIQOLO (Leading Seaman Walesi) was very abusive and continued to physically assault us. Both Mua and mysef were badly hurt because of our links to Lau and Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara so was George Speight, Ligari and Silatolu. The MP's treated us well and they even cried when they saw the state we were in...My colleagues would have mentioned other details of the assault".
SPEIGHT: "As we moved away from the pier, the assault began...They punched, kicked, rifle butted and one person continued to kick my head. We were buffetted by the big waves and the assault continued. I felt numb after the first half an hour. The most painful was the rope tied behind my back, which became very sore. The most excruciating pain was when I fell back with my full weight. This is when I felt fairly numb. We were subjected to this until the sun rose and this whole episode lasted about two to two and half hours. Before we were helped to our feet one of the officers took pictures of us on an instamatic camera. The 3 MPs (Military Police) who escorted us from QEB to Naval Base were all waiting at Nukulau. Two of them broke down and cried when they saw the state we were in. We were then freed from the ropes by the MPs, which were tied with our hands together. By this time I was so tired that I slept for about three days."
Fijileaks Editor: Major Epeli Nailatikau, Chief Medical Officer, RFMF, who had attended to the detainees, detailed the injuries, noting "Assault by navy personnel in navy boat - while on transfer to Nukulau" - Report on Injury or Illness Form
KOROVUSERE: "It was still dark when we reached the Naval Base. Naupoto warned us that if we tried to do anything, we would be shot. Mua was kicked on the esohagus. Silatolu at one stage had difficuty breathing due to the continuous punching. I was asked about Adi Samanunu and what she was doing in the country. I was kicked on the face. They told us to experience life in the navy and one of our detainees was threatened of being sexually assaulted, and that it was normal in the Navy. Once we arrived near Nukulau, one of the boys said I was his Commanding Officer in Sinai and Lebanon, whilst I was being kicked and had his foot on my head. Our hands were released at about 0800hrs once we were inside the perimeter fence."
LIGAIRI: "Upon arrival [at the Naval Base] I was the second last to board the awaitig ship. We were moved to the forecastle and we were handled roughly. NAUPOTO briefed us and his orders were very aggressive. I had a feeling that he didn't care about who we were. I never expected Fijians to behave and act in that manner. I was so confused that I did not listen to what they were saying or asking. A lot of questions about my ability to change myself into rats and other things were put forward. I was assaulted with punches, rifle butts, kicks to my head and body. I was also very concerned about our safety particulalry with our hands tied at our backs and the possiblity of us getting washed to the sea. The assault inflicted on me has caused me headaches, blurred vision and this is due to a rifle barrel pushed to the side of my head."
SAVUA: "We were than taken to the Naval Base. Upon arrival we boarded the ship and briefed by Naupoto, "If you try anything to escape or untie the rope, you will be dead". One of the navy personnel began verbal abuses. Abusive verbal language was hurled at me and others, "Savua/Mua drau vei cai". One of them asked me if I wanted to be Commander. They stated that this was Commander's (Bainimarama's) vessel...They even threatened to sexually assault Nata and stated that it was quite common in the Navy. They continued to butt and assault us. Wainiqolo was inflicting most of the punishment...The assault continued right until we arrived at Nukulau and when the ship was anchored off at Nukulau"
MUA: "We were driven to Walu Bay. They told us to come out of the truck one by one. I was walking behind Speight when he was thumped from the back. We were ushered to the forecastle of KIRO. We were seated between the gun turrett and the wave breaker. As soon as the ship left the pier the assault started. I was kicked in the face, rifle butted on the face and verbally abused. I lost one tooth in the process. This sequence went on for approximately 3 hours until we got here (Nukulau). My vision was blurred for 3 days due to the injuries I sustained. I was kicked around and on the esophagus. When this happened, I almost lost all consciousness and I thought I was going to die. We were told that we were going to an unknown destination...During the transfer to Nukulau, I slipped and was given two more kicks before I reached ashore. I cannot believe that people could be so brutal. The Military Police (MP) who were on Nukulau wept and asked us to forgive them for what had happened on the ship [Kiro]"
KONATACI: "We were taken to the Naval Base and as soon as we arrived, they shoved us onto the ship and forced us to the forecastle. We were given instrcutions to stay in one place and not to move or we would be shot. We were told to sit in front of the ship (forecastle), and as we sat down we were punched, kicked and verbally abused whilst our hands were tied. It seemed they were acting on instructions. As we left the harbour towards the open sea, I was very frightened naturally because I came from the highlands. My hand was kicked and my fingers were crushed with a boot, which was fractured. It was around 07000hrs, when we arrived near Nukulau. I could see others carrying injuries...A lot of verbal abuse was hurled at us. The two Lauan colleagues particularly copped a lot of abuse. I thought that we would be treated well and arrested as political prisoners and not be treated the way we were."
NATA: "We were taken to Naval Base and as soon as we got off, I was punched on the left, and I knew we were in for a rough ride. Once we got to the forecastle, we were warned in unequivocal terms that we were to follow orders. We were taken for a 2 and half hours ride and throughout the journey I was punched, kicked, butted and abused. Apart from the inhumane treatment, I was disappointed with the sexual taunts and the threat to be sexually assaulted. We were threatened and one particular chap WAINIQOLO (Leading Seaman Walesi) was very abusive and continued to physically assault us. Both Mua and mysef were badly hurt because of our links to Lau and Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara so was George Speight, Ligari and Silatolu. The MP's treated us well and they even cried when they saw the state we were in...My colleagues would have mentioned other details of the assault".
SPEIGHT: "As we moved away from the pier, the assault began...They punched, kicked, rifle butted and one person continued to kick my head. We were buffetted by the big waves and the assault continued. I felt numb after the first half an hour. The most painful was the rope tied behind my back, which became very sore. The most excruciating pain was when I fell back with my full weight. This is when I felt fairly numb. We were subjected to this until the sun rose and this whole episode lasted about two to two and half hours. Before we were helped to our feet one of the officers took pictures of us on an instamatic camera. The 3 MPs (Military Police) who escorted us from QEB to Naval Base were all waiting at Nukulau. Two of them broke down and cried when they saw the state we were in. We were then freed from the ropes by the MPs, which were tied with our hands together. By this time I was so tired that I slept for about three days."
Fijileaks Editor: Major Epeli Nailatikau, Chief Medical Officer, RFMF, who had attended to the detainees, detailed the injuries, noting "Assault by navy personnel in navy boat - while on transfer to Nukulau" - Report on Injury or Illness Form
By VICTOR LAL
On 23 February the Fiji SUN ran an article highlighting Viliame Naupoto's one year in office as Minister for Youth and Sport. "Commander Viliame Naupoto, the Minister for Youth and Sports, celebrated his one year in office with students of Nilsen College, in Vatukoula. Mr Naupoto, sworn in as Minister for Youth and Sports on February 22, last year, was the chief guest at Nilsen College at its prefects’ induction ceremony on this anniversary." “I am glad to celebrate my first anniversary as a minister with student leaders of this school,” said Naupoto.
He braved the heavy rain and forecasted flooding just so that the students of Nilsen College were not let down . Naupoto told the story he knew best, that of his life. For him, sharing personal experiences and the struggles he went through would be more motivational and inspirational, reported Fiji Sun.
Naupoto, however, did not share one important aspect of his life with the students - that he joined the 2006 coup plotters to escape charges for his role in the brutal assault and beatings of George Speight, Jo Nata, Tevita Bukarau, Samu Konataci, Metuisela Mua, Rusiate Korovusere and Ilisoni Ligairi in July 2000.
Pita Driti and Speight Group: From RFMF Cell to Naval Base - Handover conducted between Driti and Naupoto
As I have written previously, the above lot, known as George Speight Group (GSG) were held at RFMF military cell after they had been arrested at different locations. At 3.30am on the morning of 29 July 2000 Lt Col Pita Driti, commanding officer, Logistic Support Unit (LSU) was given the task to transport the detainees from QEB to RFNS Stanley Brown. He was ready for the job, he told the Board of Inquiry (BOI).
The time for the actual transfer was for Saturday 29 July at 0400hrs. On the eve of 28 July at 2300hrs the Commander of the Land Force Command gave a very quick briefing as follows: (a) gag the detainees hands behind their backs, and (b) blindfold the detainees, but this was changed when Driti requested for confirmation.
By this time Driti had selected 10 military personnel from his unit for the operation. There was one Hino truck and two light vehicles for transportation. When Driti entered the cell block, he briefed the detainees and reassured them (also confirmed by the detainees to the BOI) about their safety and lives.
He also told them that they would be separated and their hands would be tied behind their backs. He then called out the list and the detainees followed the instructions. Warrant Officer Class One Ponipate Bainivalu tied their hands at the back one by one with pieces of ropes.
Major Ben Lomaloma was also present and he advised Driti to ensure that blood flow was not impeded around the detainees wrists. "We were psyched up and ready for any violent action or behaviour from the detainees. A chair was used to help them to board the vehicle. Once they were all inside the vehicle, I thanked them for their co-operation, but I did not inform them about their final destination. The time was approximately 0345hrs. At 0350hrs I boarded one of the light vehicles, which was the lead vehicle in the convoy and I had two escorts. WO1 Bainivalu was in-charge of the escorts and detainees in the main vehicle. Another light vehicle was the rear vehicle in the convoy," Driti told the BOI.
The initial plan was to go through Mead Rd, Princess Rd, Reservoir Rd, Queens Rd and into the Naval Base but Driti changed this as an element of surprise and used the Kings Rd, Edinburgh Drive to the Naval Base. When he arrived with the detainees at RFNS Stanley Brown base, he did not know who was in-charge. The whole base was dark and it was difficult to distinguish people.
"It took sometime before I could see LCDR NAUPOTO. I don't think he recognised me in the dark. During the briefing given by Comd LFC he had informed me to brief the naval counterparts to release the ropes tied behind the detainees backs once the ship left the pier. I did not inform him anything about the use of force but I was hopeful that he would have seen the manner in which we handled the detainees and it was firm but fair. When I briefed him about their hands tied behind their backs, he replied that he will decide since the detainees were under his responsibility" Driti told the BOI.
Bukarau, echoing other colleagues, told the BOI: "Lt Col Driti briefed us in Fijian saying, "So veikemudou ena vakarau kacivi na yacana mo dou vodo ena lori. Dou na kau ena vanua sega ni yawa mai Suva. Sega ni dua ena vakaleqai nona bula. O ni na yaco bula talega ena vanua ni na kau tiko kina", words to that effect."
The RFMF LSU officers who gave evidence along with Driti were Bainivalu, WO2 J. Caginidaveta, Staff Sergeant M. Rakabu, Sergeant V. Vasuca, Sergeant N. Tarovi, Sergeant T. Vakausausa, Corporal J. Turagaiviu, Lance Corporal S. Tamanivalu and Lance Corporal J. Senibici.
Operation Lighthouse
The navy personnel also gave evidence, and according to Commander Mosese Semi, chief of navy, it was he who recommended that the detainees be transferred to Nukulau Island (and not Makuluva) and the operation be called "Operation Lighthouse". Regarding the violence inflicted on the detainees, the navy officers claimed they were acting on the orders and instructions of Naupoto, who wanted to make a lesson of the GSG.
The operation was under MARCOM's (Maritime Command) command. Lieutenant Bradley Thomas Bower was the commanding officer of RFNS Kiro which transported the detainees to Nukulau.
The navy personnel who took part in escorting the detainees (and also those involved in the beatings) who gave evidence to the BOI were as follows: WO2 Valerio Codro Nawari, Leading Seaman Walesi Wainiqolo, Abel Seaman Jone Mateyawa, Lt Commander Joseva Atama Turaganivalu, WO2 Nacanieli Waqatoga, Lt Commander Sanaila Vitau Naqali ; Commander Mosese Semi, Chief Petty Officer Nemani Tabutabu, PO Apete Lagilevu, Lt Bradley Thomas Bower, Lt Humphrey Biu Tawake, Leading Seaman Simeli Tamani, and PO Sakiusa Rokotakala.
On 23 February the Fiji SUN ran an article highlighting Viliame Naupoto's one year in office as Minister for Youth and Sport. "Commander Viliame Naupoto, the Minister for Youth and Sports, celebrated his one year in office with students of Nilsen College, in Vatukoula. Mr Naupoto, sworn in as Minister for Youth and Sports on February 22, last year, was the chief guest at Nilsen College at its prefects’ induction ceremony on this anniversary." “I am glad to celebrate my first anniversary as a minister with student leaders of this school,” said Naupoto.
He braved the heavy rain and forecasted flooding just so that the students of Nilsen College were not let down . Naupoto told the story he knew best, that of his life. For him, sharing personal experiences and the struggles he went through would be more motivational and inspirational, reported Fiji Sun.
Naupoto, however, did not share one important aspect of his life with the students - that he joined the 2006 coup plotters to escape charges for his role in the brutal assault and beatings of George Speight, Jo Nata, Tevita Bukarau, Samu Konataci, Metuisela Mua, Rusiate Korovusere and Ilisoni Ligairi in July 2000.
Pita Driti and Speight Group: From RFMF Cell to Naval Base - Handover conducted between Driti and Naupoto
As I have written previously, the above lot, known as George Speight Group (GSG) were held at RFMF military cell after they had been arrested at different locations. At 3.30am on the morning of 29 July 2000 Lt Col Pita Driti, commanding officer, Logistic Support Unit (LSU) was given the task to transport the detainees from QEB to RFNS Stanley Brown. He was ready for the job, he told the Board of Inquiry (BOI).
The time for the actual transfer was for Saturday 29 July at 0400hrs. On the eve of 28 July at 2300hrs the Commander of the Land Force Command gave a very quick briefing as follows: (a) gag the detainees hands behind their backs, and (b) blindfold the detainees, but this was changed when Driti requested for confirmation.
By this time Driti had selected 10 military personnel from his unit for the operation. There was one Hino truck and two light vehicles for transportation. When Driti entered the cell block, he briefed the detainees and reassured them (also confirmed by the detainees to the BOI) about their safety and lives.
He also told them that they would be separated and their hands would be tied behind their backs. He then called out the list and the detainees followed the instructions. Warrant Officer Class One Ponipate Bainivalu tied their hands at the back one by one with pieces of ropes.
Major Ben Lomaloma was also present and he advised Driti to ensure that blood flow was not impeded around the detainees wrists. "We were psyched up and ready for any violent action or behaviour from the detainees. A chair was used to help them to board the vehicle. Once they were all inside the vehicle, I thanked them for their co-operation, but I did not inform them about their final destination. The time was approximately 0345hrs. At 0350hrs I boarded one of the light vehicles, which was the lead vehicle in the convoy and I had two escorts. WO1 Bainivalu was in-charge of the escorts and detainees in the main vehicle. Another light vehicle was the rear vehicle in the convoy," Driti told the BOI.
The initial plan was to go through Mead Rd, Princess Rd, Reservoir Rd, Queens Rd and into the Naval Base but Driti changed this as an element of surprise and used the Kings Rd, Edinburgh Drive to the Naval Base. When he arrived with the detainees at RFNS Stanley Brown base, he did not know who was in-charge. The whole base was dark and it was difficult to distinguish people.
"It took sometime before I could see LCDR NAUPOTO. I don't think he recognised me in the dark. During the briefing given by Comd LFC he had informed me to brief the naval counterparts to release the ropes tied behind the detainees backs once the ship left the pier. I did not inform him anything about the use of force but I was hopeful that he would have seen the manner in which we handled the detainees and it was firm but fair. When I briefed him about their hands tied behind their backs, he replied that he will decide since the detainees were under his responsibility" Driti told the BOI.
Bukarau, echoing other colleagues, told the BOI: "Lt Col Driti briefed us in Fijian saying, "So veikemudou ena vakarau kacivi na yacana mo dou vodo ena lori. Dou na kau ena vanua sega ni yawa mai Suva. Sega ni dua ena vakaleqai nona bula. O ni na yaco bula talega ena vanua ni na kau tiko kina", words to that effect."
The RFMF LSU officers who gave evidence along with Driti were Bainivalu, WO2 J. Caginidaveta, Staff Sergeant M. Rakabu, Sergeant V. Vasuca, Sergeant N. Tarovi, Sergeant T. Vakausausa, Corporal J. Turagaiviu, Lance Corporal S. Tamanivalu and Lance Corporal J. Senibici.
Operation Lighthouse
The navy personnel also gave evidence, and according to Commander Mosese Semi, chief of navy, it was he who recommended that the detainees be transferred to Nukulau Island (and not Makuluva) and the operation be called "Operation Lighthouse". Regarding the violence inflicted on the detainees, the navy officers claimed they were acting on the orders and instructions of Naupoto, who wanted to make a lesson of the GSG.
The operation was under MARCOM's (Maritime Command) command. Lieutenant Bradley Thomas Bower was the commanding officer of RFNS Kiro which transported the detainees to Nukulau.
The navy personnel who took part in escorting the detainees (and also those involved in the beatings) who gave evidence to the BOI were as follows: WO2 Valerio Codro Nawari, Leading Seaman Walesi Wainiqolo, Abel Seaman Jone Mateyawa, Lt Commander Joseva Atama Turaganivalu, WO2 Nacanieli Waqatoga, Lt Commander Sanaila Vitau Naqali ; Commander Mosese Semi, Chief Petty Officer Nemani Tabutabu, PO Apete Lagilevu, Lt Bradley Thomas Bower, Lt Humphrey Biu Tawake, Leading Seaman Simeli Tamani, and PO Sakiusa Rokotakala.
Naupoto's evidence before Board of Inquiry
FINGER on violent operation
"I was told that they were to be taken to Nukulau. I was informed on the 28th July. We were to make arrangements for their transportation. I tasked RFNS Kiro and also directed Lieutenant Commander Naqali to form a security team for the detainees. I was told that they were to be taken at 0400 hrs on 29th July. I directed LCDR Naqali not to show sympathy to them but to roughen them up. The detainees had their hands tied behind their back. I directed Naqali that they were to be held on deck rather than below decks (inside the ship). It is easier to sabotage the ship when you are inside rather than outside. I spoke to them when they were sitted on the forecastle and told them that "if you try anything you will die". I saw people punching them (detainees) but I did not stop them. I was in contact with Naqali throughout the operation and I was directing the operation from my office throughout. I told Naqali to call me when they handed over to the army personnel at Nukulau. The operation was codenamed Operation Lighthouse and the Operation Order was written and signed by myself. Everything that happened was done because I had directed LCDR Naqali to allow it to happen. The reason for my allowing those things to happen was a way of putting the security team on a psychologically higher platform than the detainees. It was better for them to be punched and sworn at rather than being shot because the people guarding them panicked. My task was to deliver them to Nukulau alive and that I did. I ask the Board [of Inquiry] that the information that is given to the Board today be safeguarded as it can be used against our families. If my actions are found to be wrong then I am prepared to face the consequences."
FINGER on violent operation
"I was told that they were to be taken to Nukulau. I was informed on the 28th July. We were to make arrangements for their transportation. I tasked RFNS Kiro and also directed Lieutenant Commander Naqali to form a security team for the detainees. I was told that they were to be taken at 0400 hrs on 29th July. I directed LCDR Naqali not to show sympathy to them but to roughen them up. The detainees had their hands tied behind their back. I directed Naqali that they were to be held on deck rather than below decks (inside the ship). It is easier to sabotage the ship when you are inside rather than outside. I spoke to them when they were sitted on the forecastle and told them that "if you try anything you will die". I saw people punching them (detainees) but I did not stop them. I was in contact with Naqali throughout the operation and I was directing the operation from my office throughout. I told Naqali to call me when they handed over to the army personnel at Nukulau. The operation was codenamed Operation Lighthouse and the Operation Order was written and signed by myself. Everything that happened was done because I had directed LCDR Naqali to allow it to happen. The reason for my allowing those things to happen was a way of putting the security team on a psychologically higher platform than the detainees. It was better for them to be punched and sworn at rather than being shot because the people guarding them panicked. My task was to deliver them to Nukulau alive and that I did. I ask the Board [of Inquiry] that the information that is given to the Board today be safeguarded as it can be used against our families. If my actions are found to be wrong then I am prepared to face the consequences."
