Fiji Red Cross chief murdered

John Scott helped to end last year's coup

The head of the Red Cross in Fiji has been murdered at his home in the capital, Suva.

Police officials said the bodies of Red Cross director John Scott and his companion, Gregory Scrivener, were found amid scenes of incredible violence.

Police Commissioner Isikia Savua told reporters that the victims' faces had been beaten beyond recognition.

Political motives have been ruled out, and nothing was taken from the house.

"It seems it was a domestic dispute gone wrong," Mr Savua said.

Police are looking for a third person who was believed to have left the house after neighbours heard an argument.

He was very popular with the authorities and the people. We have no idea of the motive for this

Red Cross official

The Red Cross director, a Fijian citizen of British descent, played a key role in negotiating the release of political hostages after the coup attempt in Fiji last year.

A group led by failed businessman George Speight stormed parliament on May 19, 2000, and took then Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and his government hostage for 56 days.

Last movements

Two men have been taken into custody but have not been charged.

Floyd Barnaby, interim head of the Red Cross's regional delegation in Suva, said Mr Scott was highly respected for his work, receiving a Red Cross award last year for his role in the hostage crisis.

"Everyone is shattered by this news," Mr Barnaby said.

"He was very popular with the authorities and the people. We have no idea of the motive for this."

The hearing to determine whether George Speight will go on trial for treason has been repeatedly delayed and is due to resume in a week's time.

A BBC correspondent in the region says it is unclear whether elections planned for the end of August will return the country to decisive democratic government that its faltering economy and battered international image desperately need.