The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has notified the Suva Magistrate Court that it has served the second phase of disclosures to former journalist Charlie Charters. The court session was presided over by Magistrate Shageet Somaratne, who addressed the substantive matter related to Charters’ case.
Last week, a bail variation application was submitted on behalf of Charters, requesting permission for him to travel to Australia for work-related reasons. In response to this request, FICAC filed affidavits outlining their position. Charters’ attorney, Seforen Fatiaki, informed the court that they are prepared to present two additional sureties to facilitate Charters’ travel.
Fatiaki also raised a significant point during the hearing: FICAC has not yet identified the unnamed individual whom Charters is accused of assisting and abetting in their second phase disclosures. The court instructed Fatiaki to supply the details of the additional sureties to FICAC to conduct necessary background checks.
The hearing regarding the bail variation is set for tomorrow morning. In terms of the substantive matter, Charters faces two counts of aiding and abetting an unidentified person in violation of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Act. It is claimed that between November 2, 2025, and December 14, 2025, he intentionally aided this person—an officer of FICAC in Suva—by unlawfully disseminating official information related to the Commission’s functions on his Facebook account named “Charlie Charters.”
Furthermore, on February 2 of this year, Charters allegedly aided and abetted the same individual again by posting official information without the requisite permission from the Commissioner. This ongoing legal battle highlights significant issues concerning the publication of sensitive information and the responsibilities individuals hold in such circumstances. As the proceedings move forward, the outcome will be closely monitored by both the public and legal community, reflecting pressing concerns over transparency and accountability in governance.
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