Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has voiced serious concerns about the increasing volume of social media commentary on ongoing court cases. He cautioned that such actions could potentially undermine the integrity of the judicial process. Turaga expressed his worry over the rising trend of posts questioning the competence of witnesses, the decisions of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the overall independence of the judiciary.
In a public statement, Turaga remarked that such commentary could erode public confidence in the administration of justice and might even be considered contempt of court. Emphasizing the importance of allowing legal matters to proceed without external interference, he warned against political speculation and public attacks via social media platforms.
Turaga underscored the need to uphold the judiciary’s independence and integrity, noting that attempts to conduct “parallel trials” on social media could prejudice ongoing proceedings and infringe on the rights of those involved. He affirmed the importance of freedom of expression but stressed that it should not be used to interfere with the justice process.
The Acting Attorney-General reminded the public that freedom of expression does not include the right to disrupt or disrespect the administration of justice. According to Turaga, respect for judicial processes is not merely a legal obligation, but also a democratic duty owed by every citizen to ensure fairness and equality before the law.
Turaga’s remarks come amid ongoing sensitive governance discussions in Fiji, where he previously highlighted the media’s role in shaping public perception and called for responsible reporting, particularly in the context of the controversial Barbara-Gate saga. This controversy involves the contentious appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) amidst serious allegations of abuse of office and witness intimidation.
Minister Turaga’s ongoing appeal underscores a broader theme of responsible discourse in both media and public domains—a theme that can significantly influence the country’s legal and governance frameworks. While acknowledging the public’s right to stay informed and express views, Turaga’s consistent message highlights the delicate balance necessary between freedom of expression and respect for established legal processes. As Fiji navigates these challenging issues, fostering an informed and respectful public dialogue remains essential for maintaining trust in its judiciary and governance systems.
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