12 Sep 2016

Prominent Fijians released after weekend in police cells

6:24 am on 12 September 2016

Fiji's Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry was in police custody overnight after five other people were released.

But the men, who were detained as police investigated what was said at a meeting last week, may still face charges.

Attar Singh, Biman Prasad, Sitiveni Rabuka, Tupeni Baba and Jone Dakuvula were released last night after more than 24 hours in custody.

A group of people wait to hear about the detainees yesterday, as Attar Singh's lawyer Raman Singh ( white shirt )  receives a call.

A group of people wait to hear about the detainees yesterday, as Attar Singh's lawyer Raman Singh ( white shirt ) receives a call. Photo: RNZI / Alex Perrottet

Mr Dakuvula's Pacific Dialogue NGO held the meeting to discuss the country's constitution, but police say he failed to get a permit for the meeting.

Many have expressed shock that such elements of the Public Order Decree are still current, and those keeping vigil outside the police station were afraid their gathering could also be an unapproved public meeting.

Some say this is a political stunt, to ensure that all the government's main political opponents, once charged, would not be able to stand for election in 2018.

The police files have been sent to the department of public prosecutions, while Mr Chaudhry is expected to be released today after further questioning.