The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has expressed grave concerns regarding the increasing trend of sensationalized and reckless online commentary aimed at witnesses involved in ongoing criminal trials. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva has urged both the public and ODPP staff to avoid disseminating misleading headlines, inflammatory narratives, or public harassment of witnesses, particularly on platforms such as social media.
“Witnesses play a pivotal role in the criminal justice system. Their bravery in coming forward is fundamental to uncovering the truth, and it is essential that we offer them respect and protection. Any attacks or attempts to discredit witnesses can instill fear and deter others from testifying, thereby potentially undermining the integrity of the judicial process,” Ms. Tikoisuva stressed.
She issued a reminder to journalists, media outlets, content creators, and the general public that such actions could be classified as contempt of court. While the ODPP is deeply committed to upholding media freedom and the rights to public expression, Ms. Tikoisuva emphasized that these freedoms must be exercised responsibly and fairly. “Freedom of expression does not grant the right to harass or intimidate those fulfilling their legal duties in court,” she asserted.
The ODPP highlighted the importance of respecting and protecting witnesses from intimidation, cautioning that sensational or biased reporting can compromise the fairness of trials. It also emphasized the principle that individuals accused of crimes are deemed innocent until proven guilty, and underscored the necessity for the judicial process to unfold without external influence or pressure.
Acting DPP Tikoisuva also issued a strong advisory to ODPP personnel, urging them to avoid commenting on ongoing cases on social media platforms, and called on all parties involved to allow the judiciary and the criminal justice system to function independently and without interference.
These concerns echo those previously expressed by Fiji’s Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, who had warned about the negative impact of social media on court cases. According to Turaga, commentary questioning the competence of witnesses and the decisions of the ODPP risks eroding public confidence in the judicial process. He reinforced that freedom of expression should not hinder the justice system and advocated for responsible reporting.
Both officials, Tikoisuva and Turaga, have emphasized the necessary balance between free expression and adherence to legal processes, advocating for an informed and responsible public discourse that respects and preserves the integrity of Fiji’s legal and governance systems.
In light of these developments, there is a critical call for all involved to recognize their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding the judicial process. The collective efforts to uphold justice and fairness are essential in maintaining trust and confidence in the integrity of the legal system.