31 Oct 2011

Union leader detained in Fiji

10:48 am on 31 October 2011

The Fiji Trade Union Congress says its president has been detained by police but officers have given no reason for holding him.

Congress spokesperson Felix Anthony says 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 where 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 Mr Urai is being held for questioning but his lawyer has not been able to see him yet.

He says the union sees absolutely no reason why he should be detained.

Mr Anthony says Mr Urai had a brief visit from his family on Saturday.