8 Aug 2007

Fiji police release nurses arrested over protest

7:17 am on 8 August 2007

About 20 Fiji nurses who were arrested when they staged a protest outside the cabinet office in Suva yesterday were released last night after a warning.

The nurses arrived in pairs holding up placards drawing attention to their strike which is now in its fifteenth day.

The general secretary of the Fiji Nurses Association, Kuini Lutua, says they were abiding by the Public Order Act by standing in twos.

The nurses did not resist when they were rounded up and taken to the Police Academy in Nasese for interviews.

Mrs Lutua says police treated them professionally and provided them with lunch.

The police commissioner, Commodore Esala Teleni, has told the Fiji Times the nurses' statements were taken and they were warned, but no charges were laid.

Commodore Teleni says although the nurses were standing in small groups, their motive was clear.

The interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, says those breaking the law can expect to be arrested.