The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has raised significant concerns over what it calls an alarming rise in sensationalized and irresponsible online commentary targeting witnesses involved in ongoing criminal trials. In a statement, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva urged both the public and ODPP staff to refrain from posting misleading headlines, inflammatory narratives, or public attacks on witnesses, particularly on social media.
“Witnesses are crucial to the criminal justice system. Their courage to come forward helps uncover the truth, and it is critical that we respect and protect them. Attacks or attempts to discredit witnesses can foster fear and discourage others from testifying in court, potentially compromising the integrity of the judicial process,” emphasized Ms. Tikoisuva.
She reminded journalists, media organizations, content creators, and the general public that such disruptions could constitute contempt of court. While the ODPP remains firmly committed to media freedom and public expression rights, Ms. Tikoisuva stressed that these must balance with fairness and responsibility. “Freedom of expression doesn’t include the right to harass or intimidate those carrying out their legal duty in court,” she added.
Key reminders issued by the ODPP include the necessity to treat witnesses with respect and protect them from intimidation, warning that sensational or biased reporting can jeopardize fair trials. It was also reminded that accused individuals are innocent until proven guilty, and the judicial process should be allowed to proceed uninfluenced by external forces.
The Acting DPP issued a stern warning to ODPP staff, urging them to refrain from commenting on ongoing cases on social media platforms and urging all involved to let the judiciary and criminal justice system proceed naturally, without interference or undue influence.
These concerns mirror similar worries expressed by Fiji’s Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, who previously cautioned against social media’s detrimental impact on court cases. The commentary, including questioning the competence of witnesses and decisions of the ODPP, can erode public confidence in the judicial process, according to Turaga. He maintained that freedom of expression should not impede the justice process and has called for responsible reporting.
Both Tikoisuva and Turaga have highlighted the essential balance between free expression and respecting legal procedures, emphasizing the need for an informed and responsible public dialogue which upholds the integrity of Fiji’s legal and governance frameworks.