Fiji High Court orders release of devices seized from journalist Charlie Charters

The Fiji High Court has ordered the Commissioner of Police to release seven electronic devices previously seized from journalist and sports marketing official Charlie Charters.

During the proceedings, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Nancy Tikoisuva stated that following a stay of proceedings, the matter should have concluded and all property belonging to Charters should have been returned. Tikoisuva noted that the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) had transferred the matter to the police, a move she suggested may have bypassed necessary protocols involving the DPP.

Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu questioned why the police and FICAC appeared to be circumventing the law, noting that such actions risk undermining public confidence in the judiciary. The court subsequently granted the application for the release of the devices.