15 Aug 2015

Fiji's PM speaks out in wake of sedition arrests

8:20 pm on 15 August 2015

Fiji's Prime Minister says the government will deal with any challenge to the state's authority through any legal means available.

Fiji First leader Frank Bainimarama

Fiji First leader Frank Bainimarama Photo: RNZI

Frank Bainimarama's statement comes after a week of police raids in Ra province that has left 50 people facing charges of sedition and urging political violence.

In a speech in Tavua on Friday, Mr Bainimarama refused to comment specifically on the cases, but reinforced the police commissioner's statement that the groups posed no threat to national security.

He says there is no threat to i'Taukei or Christianity, and anyone who swears an illegal oath or encourages political violence will face the full force of the law

Meanwhile, FBC News reports that two more people have been remanded in custody after they were arrested yesterday on sedition charges.

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