The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has expressed concern over the growing issue of irresponsible online commentary targeting witnesses involved in ongoing criminal cases. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Nancy Tikoisuva, warned that such actions could constitute contempt of court and undermine the judicial process. She emphasized the detrimental effects of sensational headlines, inflammatory content, and public attacks on witnesses, particularly on social media, which may intimidate witnesses and deter them from coming forward.
While acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression and media rights, Tikoisuva underscored the necessity of exercising these freedoms responsibly, especially during active legal proceedings. She reminded the public, journalists, and content creators of key principles, including the presumption of innocence and the importance of protecting witness integrity. Tikoisuva reiterated that the criminal justice system must function without external interference and advised ODPP staff to refrain from publicly commenting on ongoing cases on social media.
Similar concerns have been raised previously by other officials, including Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga. Turaga has voiced worries about the impact of social media commentary on judicial integrity, emphasizing that such actions could erode public confidence in the justice system and may even be seen as contempt of court. He highlighted the potential harm of conducting “parallel trials” on social media, which can prejudice ongoing proceedings and infringe on the rights of the involved parties.
This ongoing theme of responsible public discourse is crucial in maintaining the integrity of legal and governance frameworks. While digital platforms offer users the ability to stay informed and express opinions, it is vital to maintain a balance between freedom of expression and the respect for legal processes. As Fiji navigates these challenges, fostering informed and respectful public dialogue is essential for upholding trust in its judiciary and governance systems.