An independent review conducted by senior consultant Ian Lloyd KC has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges against 11 individuals related to the Commission of Inquiry (COI), as announced by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). This thorough assessment followed the submission of files from the Fiji Police Force, which the ODPP has now completed reviewing.
In total, the ODPP received 12 files concerning allegations arising from the COI last year. Among these, one file related to former Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption commissioner Barbara Malimali was closed and returned earlier, as the ODPP determined that there was inadequate evidence to warrant any charges.
The remaining 11 files have been rigorously evaluated, and their findings will be communicated to the police later this week. The complaints largely stemmed from allegations involving Ms. Malimali that emerged during the COI. This inquiry was initiated in late 2024 to scrutinize the integrity and legality of her appointment as commissioner, and it sparked additional complaints involving various public officers and prominent legal practitioners.
Given the sensitive nature of these allegations and the considerable public interest, the ODPP ensured the files were initially reviewed by multiple senior prosecutors who had no prior connection to the parties involved. Following these assessments, Mr. Lloyd conducted an independent review, corroborating the initial findings and offering further recommendations for evaluating the evidence.
The review process was meticulous, with each file being analyzed both individually and in relation to the others. The ODPP’s decision took into account several legal frameworks, including the FICAC Act, the Electoral Act, and the Crimes Act, alongside relevant constitutional authorities.
Ultimately, the ODPP determined that the evidence failed to meet the necessary criminal standard of proof, and they found no reasonable prospects for a conviction. This decision underscores the importance of evidence-based prosecution and aligns with the principles of justice, ensuring that only substantiated claims are pursued in the legal system.
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