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| Thursday, 2 November, 2000, 11:44 GMT In pictures: Fiji hostage drama Supporters of nationalist rebel leader George Speight stormed Fiji's parliament building on 19 May demanding that ethnic Indians be stripped of political power. They took hostage Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and members of his cabinet. ![]() Ten days after the coup, martial law was declared. Soldiers patrolled the capital Suva as talks with the rebels continued ![]() Fifteen soldiers and two of their officers defected to the rebels. George Speight built up a strong private army. ![]() On 9 June, George Speight signed a deal scrapping Fiji's multi-racial constitution and granting amnesty to the rebels ![]() Three days later, Mr Speight's car was sprayed with gunfire. The army denied soldiers were ordered to kill him ![]() In Suva, the rebels attacked the property of ethnic Indians ![]() Four woman MPs were released on 25 June and held a vigil for the remaining hostages. ![]() On Wednesday, another nine hostages were set free. Parliamentarian Deo Narain was welcomed home by his wife Santosh ![]() Deposed prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry returned home on 13 July. He said he had no hard feelings towards George Speight ![]() After the hostages were released, rebels continued to guard the parliament in Suva ![]() George Speight was arrested on 26 July, charged with treason. He could face the death penalty |
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