Former Fiji Times journalist and investigative reporter Charlie Charters has been taken into custody by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). His lawyer, Seforan Fatiaki, confirmed the arrest, stating they received information that Charters had been apprehended and was on his way to Suva for further processing.
Fatiaki expressed concern about trying to confirm details with FICAC, noting that his calls have not yet been returned. He mentioned he was en route to the FICAC office in Suva to seek clarification on the matter. Despite attempts to gain insight from FICAC, inquiries from the media have not been answered as of the publication time.
The arrest occurred at Nadi airport earlier in the afternoon. In the weeks prior, Charters had been in the spotlight for sharing confidential information regarding FICAC on his Facebook page, which may have contributed to his current legal troubles. The situation has prompted a flurry of activity, with members of The Fiji Times team also visiting the FICAC office to gather more information.
This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of journalistic activities and the legal frameworks surrounding the investigation and reporting of corruption. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact both Charters and the broader discourse on media freedom and accountability in Fiji.
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