Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has addressed inquiries regarding the detention of Charlie Charters, a British and Fijian national, at Nadi International Airport. The Prime Minister emphasized that he would not interfere with the operations of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), stating, “I will never step into any FICAC business.” When pressed about the welfare of Charters and the protection of journalists’ sources, Rabuka redirected inquiries to FICAC.
Charters, a former Fijian journalist and sports marketing expert, spent the night at FICAC headquarters in Suva following his detention upon arrival in Fiji. His attorney, Seforan Fatiaki, confirmed that Charters is in good spirits and mentioned that a statement defining the circumstances of the detention is anticipated today.
The 57-year-old, who holds dual citizenship in Fiji and the United Kingdom, arrived in Fiji to renew his passport just before his scheduled departure for Sydney on Fiji Airways flight FJ915. He was stopped at the airport and subsequently handed over to FICAC officers for questioning, which has raised concerns and sparked public discourse on the implications of his detention.
Charters has a history of investigating alleged connections between FICAC and the Fiji Sports Council, utilizing documents accessible to the public and testimonies from whistleblowers. His detention has ignited a discussion among politicians across the coalition government and garnered attention from notable figures, including prominent lawyer Richard Naidu.
As the situation unfolds, further updates are expected to be released by Charters’ legal team, shedding light on the developments surrounding this high-profile case. The case underlines the importance of transparency and accountability in government institutions, as well as the need for the protection of journalistic freedoms.
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