The Labour Party is dismayed at the arrest and detention of Daniel Urai, President of the Fiji Trade Union Congress and its Secretary Felix Anthony, on their return to Fiji, says Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Maryan Street.

"Daniel was detained last Saturday and Felix has been arrested previously and just recently detained again, on his return to Fiji," Maryan Street said.

"They have both suffered Commodore Bainimarama's version of summary justice, having been detained and beaten in custody before now. The New Zealand Labour Party calls on the Fiji regime to release these men and restore their human rights, or at the very least, charge them with something which is not a pretence or charade," she said.

"We are concerned for their welfare. Felix has been roughed up before. This is not tolerable in a near neighbour. Bainimarama's regime has no regard for human rights or trade union rights. This kind of brutal suppression shows the regime for what it is.

"Fiji is no nearer to democracy now than it was when Bainimarama took it by force. These men must be released," said Maryan Street.