The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) and LAWASIA, two international bodies have released a statement that states Fiji Law Society President, Wylie Clarke, and immediate past President, Laurel Vaurasi face possible arrest and prosecution.
They said this is related to the recent release of the Commission of Inquiry report.
“Recent reports raise concerns that Mr. Clarke and Ms. Vaurasi may face charges for obstructing justice and/or perverting the course of justice in connection with the events on 5 Sept 2024,” said the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and LAWASIA statement.
“The preferring of any such charges would be abhorrent as this would be contrary to international standards and norms that safeguard the role of lawyers and bar associations.”
“FLS has a duty to uphold the rule of law and to protect public confidence in the integrity of public institutions.”
“Officers of the FLS have been subjected to appalling personal attacks from public figures clearly designed to have a chilling effect on the legitimate role of lawyers to hold decision makers to account.”
“The possible arrest and prosecution of Mr. Clarke and Ms. Vaurasi would therefore constitute an attempt to prevent FLS from discharging its duties, and this would be a grave encroachment on, or infringement of, their independence.”
The CLA and LAWASIA is calling for Fijian authorities to be publicly accountable in their decision making, adhere to the rule of law, and the international norms and standards on the independence of the legal profession and bar associations.
They also to respect the role and independence of the FLS, and to enable the FLS to discharge its statutory functions and to ensure that its officers are able to perform their duties free from intimidation, interference, or reprisal.
