In May 2000, a group of ethnic Fijian gunmen broke into parliament and declared a coup. They took the prime minister and several MPs hostage for 56 days.

In May 2000, a group of ethnic Fijian gunmen broke into parliament and declared a coup. Led by charismatic failed businessman George Speight, they took the prime minister and several MPs hostage for 56 days. Ricardo Morris was a journalist for Fiji's Daily Post at the time.

(Photo: George Speight holds a press conference at the Fiji parliament building in the capital Suva, Sunday, 21 May, 2000. Credit: Phil Walter/Getty Images)