(This is an earlier version of the story – Mr Turaga resigned today)
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is yet to speak to acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga, who is linked to an explicit video circulating on social media, saying he must establish the facts and give Mr Turaga an opportunity to defend himself before deciding on any action.
Mr Rabuka said misconduct of this nature could warrant a suspension, but he would not make a judgment without first hearing Mr Turaga’s explanation.
He said he had not spoken to Mr Turaga, who had travelled overseas, and was unsure whether Mr Turaga had returned to Fiji.
“He must have the opportunity to defend himself,” Mr Rabuka said.
“I don’t even have any idea if it was him. I haven’t seen any pictures or any videos or anything like that.”
Mr Rabuka stressed that the allegation remained unsubstantiated from his perspective, saying he had not seen the video or any images that could establish the identity of the person involved.
“Some people say it’s him. So I don’t know.”
He said he intended to speak to Mr Turaga before reaching any conclusions.
Mr Rabuka also confirmed that he had received an email about the matter that morning but had not yet read it.
The latest allegation comes after a previous controversy involving an explicit video linked to Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya.
Asked whether the same standards would apply to the latest case, Mr Rabuka said ministers would be assessed equally, regardless of gender.
“I have to treat them as ministers.”
