Individuals who deliberately provide misleading or false information to the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission may be charged with contempt of court. The commission, at its discretion, could refer such cases to the Magistrate’s Court. This provision is included in the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill, which was presented to Parliament last Friday.
The Bill grants the commission the authority to question witnesses under oath and to accept both written and oral evidence during its hearings, irrespective of whether that evidence would typically be admissible in civil or criminal cases.
Additionally, the commission has the power to exclude members of the public, including journalists, from its proceedings or meetings, if necessary, to maintain order and ensure the proper conduct of hearings. It may also engage consultants who possess specialized knowledge relevant to its functions.