The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will seek court adjournments of no more than 10 days as part of efforts to address widespread delays in the judicial system.
Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga told Parliament through a written response to a question that, under instructions from the new Acting Commissioner, FICAC counsel must now request adjournments only in the range of 3 to 10 days, unless the court’s schedule is fully committed.
“This is a necessary step given the backlog in our courts,” Mr Turaga said.
“Overloaded court diaries have significantly slowed the progress of corruption cases.”
FICAC currently has 170 substantive cases pending in court, with 16 accused persons charged this year.
As of 30 June 2025, 152 cases remain under active investigation.
The Justice Minister also revealed that convictions have declined in 2025, with only seven recorded between January and June, compared to 13 in 2024.
There were nine convictions in 2023.
