The initial session of a caution interview with citizen publisher Charlie Charters took place at the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) office and concluded recently. According to Mr. Charters’ lawyer, Seforan Fatiaki, this session has now been temporarily suspended and will resume later today.
Mr. Fatiaki indicated that Charlie Charters is in good spirits. He also mentioned that Charters is likely to be held overnight and will appear in court on Monday, though no charges have been filed against him yet as the caution interview must be completed first.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Fatiaki released a statement noting that FICAC had informed him that Charters is being detained on suspicion of aiding and abetting a whistleblower, in accordance with Section 45 of the Crimes Act 2009. He emphasized that the investigating officers have treated Mr. Charters professionally and with consideration throughout the process.
The whistleblower involved in the case is suspected of violating Section 13G of the FICAC Act, which pertains to the divulgence of official information. As this situation continues to unfold, it draws attention to the critical role of whistleblowers and the protections surrounding them in Fiji’s legal framework.
Leave a comment