The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has defended its decision not to comment publicly on the investigation involving Mr Charlie Charters, saying it would have been inappropriate to do so while inquiries were ongoing, regardless of commentary circulating on social media.
In a statement issued today, FICAC confirmed that Mr Charters appeared before the Suva Magistrates’ Court and has been charged with two counts of aiding and abetting, contrary to Section 45 of the Crimes Act 2009, read together with Section 13G(1) of the FICAC Act 2007.
Section 13G of the FICAC Act makes it an offence for an officer or former officer of the Commission to divulge official information without written authorisation. Section 45 of the Crimes Act provides that a person who aids and abets the commission of an offence is deemed to have committed that offence and is punishable accordingly.
The Commission said it had deliberately refrained from issuing any statement earlier because the matter was under active investigation.
It stressed that discussing a live investigation would have been contrary to established investigative practice, irrespective of public debate and speculation on social media platforms.
“Investigations must be conducted independently and without external influence,” FICAC said, reiterating its statutory mandate to uphold the integrity of its processes.
The Commission added that now the matter is properly before the Court, it will proceed in accordance with due process. FICAC also confirmed it will not be making further public comments while court proceedings are ongoing.
