The Fijian Media Association (FMA) has expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of Charlie Charters, who was detained at Nadi International Airport and is now reportedly in the custody of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) in Suva. The FMA emphasizes that this incident harkens back to troubling times from which the country has long sought to distance itself.
The association insists that any arrest or detention must adhere strictly to legal protocols, with due process respected throughout the entire procedure. They have called on the relevant authorities to confirm Charters’ current status—whether he is detained, arrested, charged, or released—and to clarify which agency is responsible for his custody. Furthermore, the FMA seeks transparency regarding the procedural steps that lie ahead, particularly any court proceedings.
Another significant concern raised by the FMA pertains to the potential implications for freedom of expression stemming from Charters’ arrest. His outspoken views on FICAC and the Fiji Sports Council have amplified these worries.
In a related matter, the FMA noted that the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) has clarified that there was no official directive banning media coverage. Journalists were mistakenly denied access owing to miscommunication with security personnel. However, reports indicate that security officers suggested the “ban” originated from the FSC CEO, which raises alarms about media access at events of public interest.
Given that FSC venues host significant community and national sporting events, the FMA underscores the importance of journalists’ access to cover these instances without hindrance. This access is essential not only for public knowledge but also for promoting sponsorship and nurturing future sporting talents.
The FMA has called upon the FSC to ensure that media access is guaranteed and that all venue security personnel receive adequate briefing to prevent future occurrences of this nature. Their historic commitment to defending media freedom and expression is unwavering; they assert they will not stand idly by as these liberties are challenged or curtailed.
Currently, the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is preparing to submit recommendations to the President following discussions related to FICAC, which include deliberations spurred by the recent arrest of Charters. The JSC convened on Sunday to address a variety of pressing issues, and after thorough exploration of the situation, they resolved to present their recommendations, having consulted with the Attorney-General.
This ongoing dialogue highlights the crucial intersection between accountability, transparency, and media freedom in Fiji, ensuring that the public’s right to information is upheld.
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