The pretrial conference for the eight Methodist Church ministers was deferred to a later date after DPP lawyers failed to appear in the Suva Magistrates Court today.

Reverends Ame Tugaue, Tuikilakila Waqairatu, Tomasi Kanailagi, Apete Toko and Kalivati Ravoka, as well as Sakaraia Koli, Ratu Inoke Seniloli and Livai Tuisaravere appeared before Magistrate Eparama Rokoika, charged with participating in meetings in contravention of the Public Emergency Regulation.

The pretrial conference was scheduled to begin today, however, with absence of the DPP lawyers, Magistrate Rokoika adjourned the case to the 27th of October.