Nauru opposition MPs face criminal charges

A trio of Nauru MPs is likely to face criminal charges over a protest outside the island nation's parliament.

The government of Nauru has accused members of the opposition of an orchestrated campaign to disrupt parliament and the passage of the recent budget.

President Baron Waqa has condemned their "shameful actions" and accused them of "a campaign of lies backed by foreign media outlets", in a statement issued on Friday.

He says information from police suggests MPs Sprent Dabwido, Mathew Batsuia and Squire Jeremiah were the ringleaders of a protest held almost a fortnight ago and they would face criminal charges.

The hundreds-strong rally was reportedly calling on the government to resign over corruption allegations aired on the ABC, new laws cracking down on free speech and the indefinite suspension of the MPs.

"Members of the opposition have been speaking loudly and freely against the reform measures of our government for some time," Mr Waqa said.

"The government of Nauru will not be dictated to by a handful of power-hungry people focused on causing fear and panic."