Fiji arrests church leaders in bid to stifle opposition

Fiji's military regime has arrested at least a dozen church leaders to silence anti-government sentiment.

Tensions between Fiji's dominant Methodist Church and the self-appointed Government have been building since authorities forced the cancellation of the church's annual religious meeting.

The regime, in power since a December 2006 coup, feared the conference, which usually attracts up to 100,000 people, was "too political" and would fuel an anti-government mood.

Church leaders have threatened to go ahead with it regardless, leading to the arrests of at least 12 church leaders.

Among them are the church's most senior members, general secretary the Rev Tuikilakila Waqairatu and paramount chief Ro Temumu Kepa, who have been ordered to face court for breaching martial law.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the crackdown was "very concerning" but indicated that Fijian civilians were becoming fed up with military rule. "I sense you are starting to see a push back from everyday Fijians."

Usaia Waqatairewa, president of the Sydney-based Fiji Democracy and Freedom Movement, said the ban was a slap in the face to free speech. "This annual event has been around since the 1840s and this dictator [regime leader Frank Bainimarama] wants to stop it for purposes of political expediency."

- AAP