Eight Methodist church ministers and officials and the Marama Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa appeared before Magistrate Eparama Rokoika today, where immunity from prosecution for Ro Teimumu was also discussed.

Reverend Ame Tugaue, Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu, Reverend Tomasi Kanailagi, Reverend Apete Toko, Reverend Kalivati Ravoka, Sakaraia Koli, Ratu Inoke Seniloli, and Livai Tuisaravere all pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in meetings in contravention to the Public Emergency Regulation.

The court today ruled that a pretrial conference for the eight pastors and officials will be heard on the 24th of next month and the hearing will start on the 11th of November.

Meanwhile, Ro Teimumu Kepa's plea has been deferred to the 2nd of next month because immunity issues will be discussed between her lawyer Sevuloni Valenitabua and the DPP John Rabuku.

Magistrate Rokoika said that it is advisable for the defense counsel Aseri Vakaloloma who is representing the church ministers to consult the Commissioner of Police, rather than take a confrontational approach when it comes to the meetings that should be attended by the church ministers.

The nine accused have been bailed.