21 Apr 2010

Fiji prosecutors add charge against Methodist leaders

2:19 pm on 21 April 2010

Fiji prosecutors have charged seven Methodist ministers with conspiring to disobey the military commander and interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, last July.

Fijilive reports that seven are among of 27 church ministers charged with violating the Public Emergency Regulation by organising and or participating in a Methodist Church standing committee meeting.

Among the seven are Ame Tugaue and Tuikilakila Waqairatu, who the interim government has suggested should vacate their positions.

The case has been adjourned until May the 25th.

The interim regime has meanwhile banned the Methodists' annual conference until 2014.