Lawyers representing former journalist Charlie Charters have accused the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) of misusing its authority, claiming that his recent arrest and detention were tactics intended to coerce him into revealing confidential sources. This serious allegation comes after Charters was prevented from leaving Fiji and subjected to police questioning.
In a formally submitted letter to FICAC, Charters’s legal team contends that the Commission’s actions constitute coercion rather than a legitimate attempt at conducting a criminal investigation. Charters’ questioning was interrupted at 12:43 PM, and by 5:15 PM, it had not resumed, despite no explanations being provided for the lengthy delay. Furthermore, attempts to contact investigators for clarification went unanswered.
The lawyers argue that the delay in Charters’ questioning has unduly extended his detention, asserting that the nature of the law enforcement action is not genuinely investigative but instead aims to force the journalist to disclose the source of his information. Although Charters has been informed of suspicions against him regarding aiding and abetting a FICAC officer in allegedly leaking information without authorization, his legal representatives point out that FICAC has failed to identify this officer, suggesting a lack of clarity within the investigation itself.
Moreover, it is alleged that FICAC officer Mosese Matanisiga made several statements to Charters, in the presence of witnesses, which implied that he would be released and not further investigated if he disclosed his source. This statement has prompted Charters’ legal team to argue that the primary intention of the arrest and detention was to extract information from him.
The letter further critiques FICAC’s utilization of powers under Section 13(1)(g) of the FICAC Act, which they believe was improperly applied in prohibiting Charters from exiting the country. They noted that FICAC suggested they would drop potential actions against him if he cooperated by providing information related to a separate investigation, signaling that the arrest was more about compelling compliance rather than pursuing genuine charges.
The legal team has raised concerns about the viability of a charge of aiding and abetting without clarity on the identity of the alleged officer, leading to a broader questioning of FICAC’s motives. The letter ultimately warns FICAC about the consequences of its actions and reserves all of Charters’s legal rights, sharply criticizing the Commission for what they describe as a significant misuse of its statutory powers.
FBC News has reached out for a statement from FICAC regarding these allegations, which casts a spotlight on the integrity of law enforcement procedures in Fiji and their impact on press freedom and the protection of journalistic sources. The case continues to unfold, and the implications for both Charters and FICAC could resonate throughout the region.
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