Former Fijian army chief Tevita Mara arrives in NZ

Former Fijian army officer Ratu Tevita Mara. Photo / Supplied

The Government's being criticised for letting a former Fijian army chief come here.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tevita Mara, who fled Fiji in May after being charged with sedition and treason, arrived in the country overnight.

Coalition For Democracy in Fiji spokesman Nik Naidu says he shouldn't be allowed here.

"Because we need to make a stand and the message has to be very clear that New Zealand as a country does not support or condone torture," he told Newstalk ZB.

Mr Naidu says alleged perpetrators of torture should stand trial in their own countries or at least be charged internationally.

He says the Coalition for Democracy in Fiji has filed a police complaint against Mr Mara for his alleged role in torturing hundreds of Fiji citizens, saying Mr Mara has admitted to being present at some of the torture sessions.

"He also happens to be the commanding officer of those men so I'm not sure you would interpret it but for us it's very clear he apart of that."

Mr Naidu says New Zealand police would be within their rights to charge Tevita Mara with torture under the Crimes of Torture Act.

- Newstalk ZB