Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica has referred the matter involving the newly appointed Online Safety Commissioner, Filipe Batiwale, to the Solicitor General for further legal consultation. This decision follows a police report filed against Batiwale, alleging defamation of character.
Kamikamica emphasized that, based on the police assessment, the case is categorized as a civil matter rather than a criminal one. He stated, “What I’ve done is just referred it to the Solicitor General but clearly according to the police it’s not a criminal case. So we’ve just asked through the Permanent Secretary to get some advice.” The Deputy Prime Minister also mentioned that the situation would be monitored closely as it unfolds through the legal process.
This incident emerges shortly after allegations surfaced regarding Batiwale’s conduct prior to his appointment on February 3, 2025. An individual from Batiwale’s village has claimed that he shared defamatory information about them via social media, which raises concerns about the integrity expected from someone in his high-profile position. The specifics of the allegations include the spreading of rumors regarding the complainant’s sexuality, impacting their family life and mental health.
These events have raised significant concerns about public trust in both Batiwale and the Online Safety Commission, particularly at a time when maintaining safety in digital environments is critical. Critics argue that these allegations could undermine the Commission’s credibility, which was established to protect individuals in the digital space, especially given Batiwale’s background in cyber law and online safety.
Kamikamica’s proactive approach in referring the case indicates a commitment to addressing the matter transparently and ensuring that the leadership within the Online Safety Commission remains robust. There is hope that open dialogues and subsequent actions will help restore trust and reinforce the mission of the Commission to enhance the online safety landscape for all Fijians.
Overall, while serious allegations are at play, this situation could also serve as a pivotal moment for the Online Safety Commission to enhance its accountability and effectiveness in safeguarding digital rights.
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