Fiji's Prime Minister wants independent appeal against coup

In October, the High Court ruled the December 2006 coup, lead by Commodore Frank Bainimarama, was legal.

Mr Qarase and five other members of his SDL party have filed an appeal.

The case is expected to be heard when the appellate court resumes next year.

Mr Qarase has told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat Program he has asked for foreign judges to hear the appeal.

"I had suggested that it would be a good thing if overseas judicial officers, or judges, particularly from some Commonwealth countries, reside over the appellate courts here in Fiji," he said.

"That is the Fiji Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, to provide the independence and impartiality that is required in our judiciary".