Reports from Nauru say windows have been broken at the island's parliament where today's meeting has been adjourned after a protest involving hundreds.
It is estimated more than 300 people are involved in support of five MPs who have been suspended from parliament for more than a year, ostensibly for speaking out about the government's actions.
There have been arrests, including of a former justice minister, Mathew Batsiua, who is one of the five suspended MPs.
Crowds gather in Nauru Photo: supplied/ Shane Bazzi
Repeated attempts to reach the Nauru government spokesperson have failed but our source reports the government has tried to ban the suspended MPs from taking part in any protest.
In recent weeks, the government passed a number of laws that have been criticised for limiting freedom of speech and the right to protest.
It has also banned Facebook, which opponents say is attempt to stop criticism of what are controversial and unscrutinised actions.
It has also been alleged in Australian media reports that the Justice Minister David Adeang received huge payments from an Australian phosphate buyer.