Sixteen people were put under arrest by the Fiji Police for allegedly plotting to assassinate the country’s prime minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Of those arrested, three were charged on Monday with treason, inciting mutiny and conspiracy to murder, Police Commissioner Esala Teleni stated at a news conference held in Suva, Fiji’s capital city.

The rest of the detainees are still under questioning, reportedly said Teleni. Police “successfully blocked any threat to the government,'' the Police Commissioner added.

Bainimarama became prime minister of Fiji after overthrowing the government of Laisenia Qarase in a bloodless takeover on Dec. 5. This move that came from the former military chief was repeatedly condemned by the U.S., the European Union, Australia and New Zealand. According to Bainimarama’s latest statements, there will be elections by March 2009.

The plot to assassinate Bainimarama was also aimed at Cabinet ministers and military officers, according to Teleni. The plot was reportedly backed by non-governmental organizations and neighboring countries.

One of the sixteen arrested by police officers was Ballu Khan, a New Zeeland businessman based in the capital of Fiji. He is currently in a local hospital and under care due to the injuries he suffered for resisting arrest.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark urged the Fiji authorities to provide evidence for the allegations or release Khan, Fijilive said. The alleged plotters included important members of political parties who attempted to create instability and conduct insurgent activities in Fiji.

According to police intelligence, the plot involved arms and explosives, but Teleni denied that weapons had been found.