The Fijian Media Association (FMA) is concerned with developments involving Charlie Charters, who was stopped at Nadi International Airport and is now reported to be in the custody of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) having been brought to Suva.
The FMA is alarmed that the detainment and arrest look like a re-enactment of scenes from a dark past that we fought hard to be free from.
The FMA stresses that any detention or arrest must be conducted strictly within the law, with due process observed at every step and clear public information provided to maintain confidence.
“We urge the relevant authorities to confirm Charters’ current status (detained/arrested/charged/released), the agency responsible, and the next procedural steps, including court processes where applicable.
“We are concerned with the potential threat to freedom of expression posed by the arrest, given Mr Charter’s outspoken posts and articles regarding FICAC and the Fiji Sports Council.
Separately, the FMA notes the Fiji Sports Council’s clarification that there was no directive to ban the media, and that journalists were turned away due to a miscommunication with security personnel. However, it remains concerning that security officers reportedly told journalists from more than one media organisation that the “ban” was a directive from the CEO.
FSC facilities are spaces where sporting events of community and national interest are held, and it is in the interest of the public that journalists cover these events. It is also beneficial for the sponsorship of national sporting bodies and potential sports stars of the future that journalists are given free access to cover sporting events at FSC facilities across the country.
The FMA urges the FSC to ensure media access and to ensure all venue security are properly briefed to prevent a repeat of the incident.
The FMA says it has fought for media freedom and freedom of expression in the country for too long and will not stand by to see these freedoms being denied or suppressed.
The FMA is alarmed and on alert as it sees risks and evidence of emerging threats to media freedom.
The FMA stands ready to engage constructively with all parties to protect media freedom, accountability, and the public’s right to know.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) will submit recommendations to the President by close of business today, following deliberations on a series of matters concerning the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
The Commission met Sunday to consider issues arising from the recent decision of Justice Tuigeregere in HB10 of 2025 dated February 2, 2026, allegations raised by a whistleblower received by the JSC on 18 February 2026, and the arrest of Charlie Charters by FICAC.
Following what it described as careful and extensive deliberations, the JSC resolved to make certain recommendations to the President after consultation with the Attorney-General.
