Lawyer Seforan Fatiaki has raised concerns regarding the conduct of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) in the case of citizen publisher Charlie Charters, accusing the agency of misappropriating its powers of arrest and detention. In a letter addressed to FICAC on February 22, 2026, Fatiaki detailed that Charters’ caution interview was unexpectedly suspended at 12:43 PM without any explanation, leading to an unreasonable delay in the investigation process and forcing Charters to remain in custody overnight.
Fatiaki emphasized that FICAC’s 48-hour timeframe for producing Charters in court should not be abused, stating, “Just because FICAC has 48 hours before it is required to produce Mr. Charters in court does not mean it can use it with impunity.” He further noted that Charters has chosen not to respond to any inquiries from investigators and intends to continue this stance.
According to Fatiaki, Charters is under suspicion of aiding and abetting a FICAC officer in disclosing information unlawfully, although the specific officer has yet to be named. In a concerning allegation, Fatiaki stated that a senior investigator from FICAC suggested to Charters—witnessed by both his wife and legal representatives—that he would be released without further investigation if he divulged his source.
Fatiaki proclaimed that the arrest and detention of Charters were primarily aimed at coercing him into revealing information, rather than serving the purpose of a legitimate investigation. He asserted that while FICAC possesses the authority to restrict an individual’s movement if they are being investigated, such power cannot be wielded as leverage for information extraction.
In conclusion, Fatiaki condemned FICAC’s actions as a significant misuse of its investigative authority, placing the Commission on notice that all of Charters’ rights are reserved. This controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding due process and the proper use of investigative powers in Fiji’s legal landscape. Such issues underscore the necessity for safeguarding individual rights while addressing allegations of corruption, promising a continued dialogue on accountability within governmental institutions.
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