The Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) has urged the Fiji Independent Commission for Anti-Corruption (FICAC) to release former journalist Charles Charters, who is currently in remand. Supported by regional leaders and global media freedom organizations such as IFEX, the PFF stresses the critical need to protect whistleblowers and calls for Fiji’s adherence to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
Charters, a dual citizen of the UK and Fiji due to marriage, was detained after he declined an offer from authorities that required him to trade his right to exit Fiji for the identity of a whistleblower who had provided him with information shared via his Meta account. He was prevented from boarding a flight on February 21, and FICAC has invoked special legal measures to keep him in custody without publicly explaining his detention.
In a handwritten note relayed through his legal representatives, Charters disclosed he is being held on allegations of “aiding and abetting a FICAC whistleblower,” under Section 45 of the Crimes Act 2009. The whistleblower is accused of violating Section 13G of the FICAC Act, which addresses unauthorized disclosure of official information.
Robert Iroga, Chair of the PFF, along with co-chairs from Tonga and Palau, voiced their deep concern about media integrity and the critical importance of safeguarding sources, particularly those who blow the whistle on corruption. Iroga highlighted that the current situation undermines public trust in Fiji’s institutions, expressing hope that the Fijian judicial system will address and remedy the negative impacts of FICAC’s actions on public perception.
The PFF’s stance resonates with that of the Fiji Media Alliance, reiterating Fiji’s duties as a signatory to the UNCAC, particularly Article 33, which requires the protection of individuals who report corruption in good faith. Although Fiji has made progress in fulfilling its UNCAC commitments, there is a recognized need for improved data privacy measures and the establishment of robust whistleblower protection laws.
This unfolding situation serves as a crucial reminder of the fine line between fighting corruption and protecting the rights of those who expose it. There is hope that Fiji can reaffirm its dedication to transparency and justice, ensuring that individuals who confront corruption are not subject to retaliation.