The Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) is calling on the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption to release former journalist Charles Charters from remand and uphold Fiji’s commitments under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
In a statement issued today, PFF chair Robert Iroga said the regional media network, backed by global media freedom partner IFEX, was concerned about the continued detention of Mr Charters.
“Pacific and global news media are bound by an integrity and professional mandate to protect sources, especially whistleblowers who may witness abuse of power but lack the channels to address it,” Mr Iroga said.
“It is imperative that FICAC recognises it must itself be subject to the same scrutiny it applies to others. We are hopeful the Fiji judicial systems will correct the chilling impacts these actions have placed on perception and trust from the people of Fiji. This is a moment for Fiji’s judiciary to address this perception and trust breach, and remind FICAC of its mandate.”
Mr Iroga said PFF stood “in solidarity with the positions expressed by the Fiji Media Alliance”, noting Fiji is a signatory to UNCAC, which contains specific provisions on whistleblower protection.
“UNCAC devotes an entire article to the protection of reporting persons from unjustified treatment when they report corruption in good faith,” he said, referring to Article 33.
PFF said previous UNCAC reviews of Fiji had praised anti-corruption efforts while highlighting the need to strengthen data privacy safeguards and introduce comprehensive whistleblower protection laws.
