The Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) is calling on the Fiji Independent Commission for Anti-Corruption (FICAC) to release former journalist Charles Charters, who currently remains in remand. The PFF, which includes support from regional leaders and global media freedom partners like IFEX, emphasizes the importance of protecting whistleblowers and advocates for Fiji’s commitment to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
Charters, a citizen of both the UK and Fiji by marriage, was detained after he refused a proposition from authorities that would have involved trading his right to leave Fiji for the identity of a whistleblower who provided him with information that was later shared through his Meta account. He was barred from boarding a flight out of Fiji on February 21. FICAC used special legislative measures to hold Charters in remand, yet has not publicly addressed the situation or provided an official statement regarding his detention.
In a handwritten note through his lawyers, Charters revealed that he is being held on suspicions of “aiding and abetting a FICAC whistleblower,” which falls under Section 45 of the Crimes Act 2009. The whistleblower in question is accused of breaching Section 13G of the FICAC Act, which pertains to the unauthorized disclosure of official information.
PFF Chair Robert Iroga, alongside co-chairs from Tonga and Palau, articulated the group’s concern regarding media integrity and the imperative to safeguard sources, particularly whistleblowers. Iroga remarked that the current situation poses a threat to public trust in Fiji’s institutions. He expressed optimism that the Fijian judicial system would address and rectify the damaging effects of FICAC’s actions on public perception.
The PFF has aligned its stance with the Fiji Media Alliance, underscoring Fiji’s obligations as a signatory to the UNCAC, particularly Article 33, which mandates the protection of individuals who report corruption in good faith. While Fiji has been recognized for its efforts under UNCAC, reviews have indicated the necessity of enhancing data privacy and establishing comprehensive whistleblower protection laws.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between combating corruption and safeguarding the rights of individuals who expose wrongdoing. The hope is that Fiji can reaffirm its commitment to transparency and justice, ensuring that those who stand against corruption are shielded from retribution.