The High Court in Suva has ordered the release of audio recordings and transcripts from the controversial Commission of Inquiry (COI) following a successful application from four individuals, including former Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption commissioner Barbara Malimali. Justice Dane Tuiqereqere made the ruling that the materials must be made available for inspection on March 16, overriding the State's objections based on confidentiality.
During a recent hearing, the State argued against the release, suggesting that the court should focus solely on the final report of the COI rather than the evidence collected during the inquiry. However, Justice Tuiqereqere stated that since the President had publicly disclosed the COI report last year, any confidentiality claims were effectively negated. He emphasized that the transcripts would serve as the most reliable evidence of the inquiry's proceedings and noted that the State had not provided sufficient authority to support its confidentiality argument.
Justice David Ashton-Lewis has also been added as an interested party in the proceedings, allowing him the opportunity to address any allegations of bias raised by Malimali and her co-applicants. The case is set to continue with a three-day hearing scheduled for April 10, focusing on the substantive issues at stake.
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