A person who deliberately misleads or provides false information to the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission could face contempt of court charges and may be referred to the Magistrate’s Court at the commission’s discretion. This provision is outlined in the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill, which was presented in Parliament last Friday.
The Bill grants the commission the authority to question any witness under oath and to consider both written and oral evidence during its hearings, regardless of the evidentiary rules that would apply in civil or criminal cases. Furthermore, the commission has the option to exclude members of the public, including media representatives, from its proceedings or meetings if deemed necessary.
The commission can also remove any individuals to maintain order during hearings and has the ability to hire consultants with specialized knowledge relevant to its functions.