The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has defended its decision not to comment publicly on its investigation into former journalist Charlie Charters, saying it would have been inappropriate to do so while inquiries were ongoing.
In a statement, the commission confirmed that it had deliberately refrained from issuing any earlier public statement as the matter was under active investigation, despite commentary circulating on social media.
“Investigations must be conducted independently and without external influence,” the commission said.
It stressed that discussing a live investigation would have been contrary to established investigative practice, regardless of public debate and speculation online. The commission also reiterated its statutory mandate to uphold the integrity of its investigative processes.
