18 Jul 2012

Fiji police concerned at politics talk without permit

2:29 pm on 18 July 2012

Fiji police again say they are concerned that people meet and discuss politics without obtaining a permit.

Last week, the Director of Operations, Rusiate Tudravu, warned that if three or more people meet to discuss politics, a permit is required.

The Police Commissioner Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua has raised the issue again, saying he wonders why some people are not applying for permits.

Last week, a group of about 14 Labour Party supporters was detained late at night at a private home near Lautoka and kept in police custody overnight without ever being charged for any breach.

The party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, likened the action to that of a police state.