The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) finds itself under scrutiny for alleged misuse of its statutory powers regarding the extended detention of Charlie Charters. Fatiaki Lawyers, representing Charters, revealed in a statement that his caution interview was unexpectedly suspended at 12:43 PM without any subsequent resumption or explanation by late afternoon. This situation has resulted in Charters remaining in custody for an unintended additional night, a delay the legal team describes as unreasonable.
Charters has chosen to remain silent during the investigation, exercising his right not to answer any questions. His legal advisors indicated that he is under suspicion for allegedly assisting a FICAC officer in unlawfully disclosing information. However, they assert that FICAC has not named the officer in question and appears to be uncertain about the individual’s identity.
The lawyers highlighted an alarming claim made by a FICAC official, who allegedly told Charters multiple times, in the presence of witnesses including both his wife and his legal counsel, that he would be released and not face further investigation if he provided information about his source. This, according to the lawyers, raises serious concerns that the nature of Charters’ arrest and subsequent detention was primarily aimed at extracting information rather than pursuing legitimate investigative goals.
Fatiaki Lawyers contend that while FICAC is authorized under Section 13(1)(g) of its Act to restrict a suspect’s movement during an investigation, such power must be exercised genuinely for investigative purposes. They argue that the detention of Charters and the insistence that he remain in Fiji to discuss another investigation is tantamount to coercion.
The legal team reiterated that FICAC’s primary interest in Charters seems to be in obtaining information rather than regarding him as a genuine suspect. All of Charters’ legal rights remain reserved, and FICAC has been formally notified of this situation. Fiji One News has reached out to FICAC for comments and is waiting for a response.
As this situation unfolds, it raises vital questions about the balance between investigative authority and the rights of individuals, highlighting the importance of accountability within institutions tasked with upholding the law.
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