Charges expected against Lasaro, Kanailagi

Two former Methodist Church presidents Reverend Manasa Lasaro and Reverend Tomasi Kanailagi are expected to appear in court this afternoon after being detained by police regarding issues surrounding the annual Methodist Conference.

Police Commissioner Commodore Esala Teleni has confirmed to Fijivillage that charges have been formalized and the two senior pastors will be taken to court this afternoon.

Yesterday, the Marama Na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, Methodist Church President Reverend Ame Tugaue and Church General Secretary Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court charged with defying the Public Emergency Regulation.

Reverends Tugaue and Waqairatu are charged with allegedly breaching the permit conditions of the Church Standing Committee meeting last Friday.

Ro Teimumu Kepa's charge is in relation to a statement she published about the Methodist Church Conference to go ahead.

The court heard that her letter was published on the internet.

The three are on bail to appear in court on August 13th.