17 Jul 2015

Two suspended Nauru MPs bailed

1:41 pm on 17 July 2015

Two Nauru opposition MPs who have been in custody on the island for the last month have been released on bail.

Former Nauru president Sprent Dabwido

Former Nauru president Sprent Dabwido is in hospital recovering from a heart attack. Photo: supplied

Sprent Dabwido and Squire Jeremiah are facing criminal charges in relation to a protest outside parliament last month.

They were remanded in custody after the protests.

Mr Dabwido's cousin Marelda Dabwido says the MPs were released after a bail hearing this morning.

She says Mr Dabwido did not attend the hearing as he remains in hospital following a heart attack early on Wednesday.

Eight young men facing similar charges have also been released on bail.

The two MPs are among five Nauru MPs who are the focus of international attention amid concerns over alleged rights violations on the island.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs