Prominent lawyer Richard Naidu from Suva has raised concerns regarding the detention of former Fijian journalist and author Charlie Charters. Reports indicate that Charters is currently being held at the immigration facility at Nadi International Airport due to a flag placed on his file by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Charters has been known for his extensive writings on the alleged ties between FICAC and the Fiji Sports Council, utilizing publicly sourced documents and testimonies from whistleblowers to support his claims. Naidu has pointed out on his social media that the FICAC Commissioner has the authority to prevent the departure of individuals under investigation for offenses related to the FICAC Act. He further explains that FICAC only has the jurisdiction to prosecute its own officials for unauthorized disclosure of information, as outlined in section 13G of the FICAC Act, suggesting that merely receiving such information should not warrant detention.
At this time, inquiries directed to FICAC regarding Charters’ detention have not been answered. This incident sheds light on the complex relationship between governmental oversight and freedom of expression in Fiji, as well as the implications of transparency and accountability within official institutions. The situation is garnering attention amidst ongoing discussions about the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties.
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