Hijack apology

Press, 21 May 1987, Page 3

Hijack apology

BRENDON BURNS

in Nandi

The wife of Amjad Ali has apologised for the actions of her husband in hijacking an Air New Zealand aircraft in Nandi. Mrs Fatima Ali, in an interview with “The Press,” said: “I would like to apologise on behalf of my husband to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and the people of New Zealand.” With her three children, aged 11, five and two years, Mrs Ali said she had been totally unaware of her husband’s plan. “Knowing my husband’s nature, I don’t think he would have done anything against the people of New Zealand. I can say that with confidence,” she said.

But she appealed for clemency. All’s brother, Roshan, said the family had been receiving strong messages of support for what Amjad 'Ali had attempted to secure with the hijacking. He said: “Ninety-nine per cent of the Indian people in Fiji would have supported his stand. He was the only man with the guts to stand up,” said Roshan. He made it clear he supported his brother’s actions, but said: “It was mainly for the New Zealand Government to intervene and help. Nothing was being done. The military were just doing what they wanted.” Mr Roshan Ali also referred to the Gover-nor-General’s call for “mercy” for the coup leaders.

“If the Governor-Gen-eral can pardon Lieuten-ant-Colonel Rabuka, when Amjad has done something for the good of the country he should be pardoned too.” Roshan said his brother had acted ta get democracy back in Fiji. “I think it had an effect,” he said, pointing out the Governor-General’s lastminute refusal to swear in the military government’s council of ministers. “There is a possibility this hijacking held it off.” Roshan Ali said: “His intention was not to blow up the aircraft or put these three men in jeopardy, but you never know what someone can do.” Mrs Ali said she and her family had always held New Zealand in high regard.