Citizen journalist Charlie Charters, who has recently been released on bail, has made serious allegations regarding his treatment during a detention by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In a letter directed to Chief Justice Salesi Temo and the Judicial Services Commission, Charters has voiced concerns about what he describes as the illegal continuation of Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika in her position, referring to her approach as “rogue” in terms of FICAC’s powers.
Charters’ detention at Nadi Airport occurred on February 21, allegedly orchestrated by the Immigration Department under FICAC’s direction. He claims that there was no valid Stop Order in effect at that time and that he was only presented with the order hours later, after feeling the undue pressure to disclose the source of specific confidential FICAC information to be allowed to board his flight. He describes this as a clear abuse of power aimed at extracting information rather than genuinely investigating any offense.
During his detention, which he says lasted for 48 hours at FICAC House leading up to his court appearance on February 23, Charters alleges that the process was marred by interruptions and unnecessary delays. He expressed concern over the justification for holding him through the weekend without any valid reasons.
Facing charges of aiding and abetting an unnamed FICAC officer in the unauthorized publication of official information, Charters’ legal counsel has deemed the case flawed, highlighting the lack of identification of the alleged co-offender as a significant concern.
Additionally, after his detention, Charters reported that his wife, Vanessa Charters, became the target of numerous hacking attempts on her Apple account. He asserts that these attempts began almost immediately following his detention and has provided screenshots of the incursions in his letter to the authorities.
Charters is critical of the Judicial Services Commission for its failure to take action regarding the leadership at FICAC, urging swift intervention to address what he describes as a “legally unsafe environment” stemming from the Commission’s prolonged acting arrangements.
To date, there has been no official response from FICAC, Acting Commissioner Rokoika, or the Judicial Services Commission regarding the allegations put forth by Charters. FBC News has also reached out to police for comments but has yet to receive a response.
These allegations underscore ongoing concerns about governance and legal standards within Fiji’s institutions, highlighting the need for transparent investigations and accountability. It is hoped that this situation may lead to greater scrutiny and reform of practices within the commission to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights.