The Fiji Media Association (FMA) has expressed serious concern over developments involving citizen publisher Charlie Charters, who was stopped earlier today at Nadi International Airport and is now reported to be in the custody of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and transported to Suva.
In a statement, the FMA said it was alarmed that the detention and arrest appeared to echo “a dark past that we fought hard to be free from.”
“The FMA stresses that any detention or arrest must be conducted strictly within the law, with due process observed at every step and clear public information provided to maintain confidence,” the association said.
The FMA has urged authorities to clarify Mr Charters’ current status, including whether he has been detained, arrested, charged or released, and to confirm which agency is responsible for the action taken.
It also called for transparency on the next procedural steps, including court processes where applicable.
The association further raised concerns about the potential threat to freedom of expression, noting that Mr Charters has been outspoken in his posts and articles concerning FICAC and the Fiji Sports Council.
