31 Oct 2011

Fiji union leader detained by police, no reason given

9:44 am on 31 October 2011

Trade unionists say the head of the Fiji Trade Union Congress has been detained by police but they have given no reason for holding him.

The Fiji Trade Union Congress's Felix Anthony, says the president, Daniel Urai, was picked up by police at Nadi airport on Saturday, then taken to Suva.

Mr Urai was returning from a series of meetings in Australia during which time the Australian Council of Trade Unions announced a plan to roll out a campaign against holidaying in Fiji in support of workers there.

Mr Anthony says he is being held for questioning but his lawyer hasn't been able to see him yet.

"We see absolutely no reason why he should be detained and we are also very concerned that he's been detained under the public emergency regulations which actually allow the police to detain him for ten days without charge."

Mr Anthony says Daniel Urai had a brief visit from his family yesterday.