The police in Fiji are refusing to confirm reports that a group of Freemasons was held in custody overnight on Wednesday night because of concerns they were practising witchcraft.
The New Zealand Herald has reported that a New Zealander was among 14 Freemasons jailed after villagers suspected them of sorcery.
But a police spokesperson, Atunaisa Sokomuri, says 13 men were held and interviewed at the police station in Nadi on Wednesday night because they did not produce a permit for their meeting, in breach of the emergency regulations.
He refused to confirm reports that wands, compasses and a skull had been seized.
Nor would he comment on whether they were Freemasons, or whether a New Zealand man was involved.
He says the men were released on Thursday morning but would not say whether the investigation will continue.
