30 Dec 2006

Five Fiji pro-democracy activists stopped from leaving country

5:32 am on 30 December 2006

Five Fiji pro-democracy activists have been stopped from leaving the country.

Fijilive.com reports the military handed a directive to the Immigration Department on December 28 identifying the names of the people it wants banned.

The group had been taken up to the Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Suva on Christmas Eve and made to run back to their homes in heavy rain early Christmas morning.

The five allege they were ill treated by the military while detained at the army barracks.

The Fiji military has denied group's claims.

Earlier this week, Army commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama said that those opposing the military will be "treated accordingly".

The activists include Fiji Women's Rights Movement director Virisila Buadromo, Imraz Iqbal, Laisa Digitaki, Peter Waqavonovono and Jacqueline Koroi.

Virisila Buadromo's partner, Arshad Daud, is reported to be also in the black list.