Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Fiji police tightlipped over latest wave of detentions

Posted at 03:27 on 22 July, 2009 UTC

The police in Fiji are refusing to confirm reports of more detentions by police and the military.

The SDL Party, which was ousted in the 2006 coup, says the military has this morning taken in its general-secretary, Peceli Kinivuwai.

It has also been confirmed that the Reverend Manasa Lasaro was one of the Methodist leaders who was taken into custody last night.

That comes after police earlier confirmed that seven Methodists were being held for questioning.

Police spokesperson Ema Mua has refused to confirm the detentions.

But she says the police are investigating allegations that the Methodist Church has not complied with the public emergency regulations in applying for a permit for its annual conference.

“We will not entertain organisations or parties for that matter that are conducting meetings which we believe could have issues that could instigate incitement perhaps, or civil unrest. We would just like to reiterate to the public at this stage, please comply with the PER.”

Fiji police spokesperson, Ema Mua

The Paramount chief of the Fiji province of Rewa, Ro Teimumu Kepa, was also taken into police custody early this morning.