The rumor alleging that Solicitor-General Ropate Green has been charged with criminal intimidation is completely false and has been deemed misleading and defamatory. In a statement released yesterday, the Office of the Attorney-General clarified that the individual mentioned in the court matter is someone with the same name, and that Mr. Green has not faced any charges nor is he required to appear in court.
The Attorney-General’s Office expressed awareness of social media posts made by whistleblower Alex Forwood and Opposition MP Ketan Lal that contributed to this misleading narrative. They emphasized the importance of responsible communication, urging public officials and social media users to verify information before sharing it. The spread of unverified claims harms reputations and undermines public trust in national institutions.
Legal consequences for defamation—whether deliberate or through reckless disregard for the truth—were also highlighted in the statement. The Office of the Solicitor-General reserves the right to take appropriate legal action to uphold the integrity of their office and protect the reputation of Mr. Green.
This incident is part of a broader conversation on the impact of misinformation in today’s digital age. Similar concerns have been raised by officials like Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga, who has previously warned about social media’s ability to disrupt judicial proceedings by casting doubt on the integrity of legal processes. It reiterates the vital need for accurate communication to maintain confidence in governmental and legal frameworks.
The encouragement for verification and responsible sharing of information is a hopeful sign of a collective effort to foster an environment where truth prevails, aiming to uphold the dignity of public figures while ensuring the public remains informed with accurate information.