20 Jun 2015

Nauru govt clampdown continues

9:34 am on 20 June 2015

Two more opposition MPs on Nauru have been arrested, the latest twist in a government crackdown on political opposition.

The arrest of Squire Jeremiah and former president Sprent Dabwido follow anti-government protests this week.

Former Nauru president Sprent Dabwido

Sprent Dabwido. Photo: supplied

Sources on Nauru say police arrived at Mr Jeremiah's home Friday afternoon and arrested the pair and took them to the police station.

They are believed to still be there.

It follows protests earlier this week outside parliament, where another opposition MP, Mathew Batsiua, was arrested and charged.

Mathew Batsiua being escorted into court

Mathew Batsiua was arrested on Tuesday. Photo: SUPPLIED

A day later, another MP, Roland Kun, was blocked from leaving the island and had his passport confiscated.

In an interview with Radio New Zealand International yesterday, Mr Jeremiah said he was expecting to be arrested, as the government was trying to shut down any criticism.

The MPs are some of five opposition MPs who have been suspended from parliament since May last year for speaking to foreign media.

The police in Nauru and the government continue to refuse to give any explanation, while New Zealand and Australia, Nauru's main donors, have remained silent on the crisis.

Crowds gather in Nauru

Tuesday's protest outside parliament. Photo: supplied/ Shane Bazzi

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