The dismissal of charges against four senior members of the Methodist Church of Fiji has been welcomed by the church.

However in a statement released today, the church says they’re concerned that justice was delayed.

The four, including Reverend Ame Tugauwe, Reverend Tomasi Kanailagi and the late Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu and Reverend Manasa Lasaro were charged with organising and participating in an illegal meeting in 2009.

Yesterday, the Director of the Public Prosecutions filed a Nolle Prosequi, stating they no longer wished to pursue the case.

President of the Methodist Church, Reverend Tevita Bainivanua says the fact that those accused suffered physically and emotionally as this case dragged on for seven years, and that two of the leaders who were charged are not alive to see their names cleared, saddens the Church.

The four church leaders were charged for allegedly breaching the Public Emergency Regulation in 2009.