The Methodist Church has welcomed the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions Office to file a nolle prosequi discounting a case against former  church leaders.

Reverend Ame Tugaue, Reverend Tomasi Kanailagi, late Reverend Manasa Lasaro and late Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu in 2010 were charged with a count each of organising a meeting in contravention of an order and participating in a meeting in contravention of an order under the Public Emergency Regulation.

Church president, Reverend Tevita Banivanua, said: “We feel really great that this has come about because we had been looking forward to this day since the incident occurred in 2009.

“It’s almost eight years and two have died since, I feel they should have been here when justice was served.

“We knew the case could not stand in the court of law and feel that justice was delayed for us but at least their names have been cleared and their families can be happy now.”

The matter was called before Suva Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne yesterday.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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