27 Apr 2004

Nauru Opposition MPs face rioting charges

8:19 pm on 27 April 2004

Three MPs in Nauru have been charged with rioting following a demonstration at the island's airport on Saturday.

Radio Australia reports that the charges relate to an incident when a large crowd delayed the departure for China of President Rene Harris.

The demonstrators had taken exception to the President leaving the country while it confronts a financial crisis with most of its overseas assets placed in the hands of an administrator.

The MPs are the unofficial Opposition leader, David Adeang, Dr Kiren Keke and Fabian Ribauw.

If convicted they could lose their seats.