The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) and LAWASIA have raised serious concerns regarding the potential arrest and prosecution of Fiji Law Society President Wylie Clarke and immediate past President Laurel Vaurasi. The apprehension stems from allegations of obstructing justice or perverting the course of justice related to events surrounding the release of a Commission of Inquiry report on September 5, 2024.
In their joint statement, the two organizations decried any charges against Clarke and Vaurasi as abhorrent and contrary to international norms that protect the professional independence of lawyers and bar associations. “The possible arrest and prosecution of Mr. Clarke and Ms. Vaurasi would therefore constitute an attempt to prevent FLS from discharging its duties, and this would be a grave encroachment on their independence,” the statement emphasized.
The CLA and LAWASIA called for public accountability from Fijian authorities, urging adherence to the rule of law and respect for the operational freedom of the Fiji Law Society (FLS). They stressed the necessity for officials to carry out their roles free from intimidation or reprisal, particularly in light of the personal attacks against FLS officers that have created a chilling effect on their ability to hold decision-makers accountable.
This situation highlights how critical the independence of legal professionals is for maintaining integrity within public institutions. A parallel can be drawn with recent events in Fiji, where President Wylie Clarke previously voiced concerns about the constitutional validity of suspensions among senior legal officials, calling for transparency and adherence to legal processes.
As these developments unfold, there remains hope that the dialogue around transparency and accountability will not only protect the interests of legal professionals but also lead to necessary reforms in governance that bolster public trust in Fiji’s legal and political frameworks. The strong advocacy for a fair and just process represents a collective aspiration among the citizens of Fiji for a governance structure that is both accountable and maintains the rule of law.
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