The claim circulating that Solicitor-General Ropate Green has been charged with criminal intimidation and is expected to appear before the Suva Magistrates Court today is false, misleading and defamatory.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Office of the Attorney-General said it is aware of a social media post made by online whistleblower Alex Forwood and Opposition MP Ketan Lal concerning Mr Green.
“The person referred to in the court matter is not the SG, but rather an individual who happens to have the same name,” the statement read.
“The office wishes to clarify that the SG, Mr Green, has not been charged with any criminal offence, nor is he required to appear before any court.”
The office urged public officials, social media users and members of the public to exercise greater responsibility when posting or sharing information online.
“Cross-checking facts before publication is important. The spread of unverified and false claims by individuals not only tarnishes reputations but also erodes public trust in national institutions.”
The office also reminded the public that defamation, whether intentional or the result of reckless disregard for the truth, can have legal consequences.
“The office of the Solicitor-General reserves all rights to pursue appropriate legal action to protect the integrity of the office and the reputation of the SG.”
