A citizen publisher who has been sharing confidential information allegedly linked to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) on social media is expected to be charged and produced in court tomorrow.
Charlie Charters was detained after he was stopped at Nadi International Airport.
In a statement released by his lawyer, Seforan Fatiaki, Mr Charters confirmed that he had been informed by FICAC that he was being detained on suspicion of aiding and abetting a FICAC whistleblower under Section 45 of the Crimes Act 2009.
“I have been held overnight at FICAC’s office in Suva,” Mr Charters said in his statement.
“I have been told that I will be questioned today.
“I have been informed that he is being detained on suspicion of aiding and abetting a FICAC whistleblower under Section 45 of the Crimes Act 2009.”
Mr Charters said he was offered a deal by FICAC at Nadi Airport, which he declined.
“At Nadi Airport I was offered a “deal” that would have allowed me to continue on my flight to Sydney as planned.
“But the terms of that deal were not acceptable to me or any right-thinking citizen. As a result I was arrested.
“My family and I are grateful for the many good wishes and concerns for my welfare that they have received.”
He also acknowledged the conduct of FICAC officers involved in the investigation.
“I want to thank the three FICAC investigating officers with whom I am dealing. They have been as professional, considerate and attentive as they can be in this situation.”
The whistleblower is alleged to have breached Section 13G (Divulging Official Information) of the FICAC Act.
