A Catholic priest accused of rape and multiple allegations of sex-related crimes in Fiji was placed in police custody for his own safety, local newspaper the Fiji Times reported Saturday.

The Magistrates Court in Tavua town was told that Father Nemesio Kolikoli, 50, should be held in protective custody as tension was high there, where he served as parish priest.

The clergy would be harmed if he is released back into the community because of the tension created by his alleged acts, state prosecutors told Magistrate Samuela Qica.

Kolikoli was charged with one count of rape and three counts of indecent assault following a complaint lodged by a 21-year-old on Feb. 24. The charges are for incidents dating back to 2004.

On Friday, the court was informed that the application for remand was made because Kolikoli faced similar allegations from five other victims.

Kolikoli's application for bail, so that he could conduct a church service on Sunday, was denied. The case has been adjourned to Tuesday when the remaining charges were expected to be read.

Archbishop Father Peter Loy Chong said he was aware of the incident and had spoken to the priest concerned. He said the church would let the law take its course but emphasized that sex abuse involving the clergy would not be condoned. Endi

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