Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu has expressed deep concern regarding the recent detention of Charlie Charters, raising questions about the legality of the actions taken and warning of significant implications for citizens’ rights. In his statement, Seruiratu emphasized that the law clearly delineates who has the authority to stop a citizen at the border or take someone into custody.
He pointed out that only a court, the police, or immigration officials operating under a lawful police request possess such authority. “FICAC has no independent authority to block travel, no power to detain a person, and no mandate to transport anyone,” Seruiratu stressed. The public has been left unsettled by the ambiguity surrounding Charters’ detention, he noted, stating, “A citizen was stopped, moved, and held without a single clear explanation. When the law is this clear and the conduct is this unclear, the people begin to wonder what is being hidden from them.”
Another significant concern raised by Seruiratu is the lack of communication from relevant institutions. He criticized the silence of the police, FICAC, and immigration, who have not clarified their roles or the authority under which Charters was detained. “When institutions that serve the people fall silent at the same time, it creates the impression that someone is managing the story rather than respecting the law,” he remarked.
Seruiratu highlighted the dangers such situations pose to public trust, stating, “Trust does not collapse loudly. It collapses quietly, when those in power believe the people will not notice. But the people always notice.” He urged the government to prioritize transparency by explaining who authorized the detention, who executed it, and whether the legal process was adhered to at every stage. He warned that a lack of accountability could lead to a further erosion of public confidence in the administration.
The call for clarity and accountability from the government serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of upholding citizens’ rights and maintaining public trust in governance.