Author: admin_fijitimes

Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua has commended the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai for publicly acknowledging accountability following the death of Jone Vakarisi while in military custody. Responding to Fiji One News, Tikoduadua described the Commander’s comments as a courageous step and an important show of leadership during a difficult period for the institution. “I think it was a brave and bold decision, and not only that, it was the right decision.” The Defence Minister also acknowledged the Commander’s call for accountability and urged support from officers and military personnel across the Force. “I want to…

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The High Court has refused the permanent stay applications filed by Suva Lawyer Tanya Waqanika. Waqanika’s application to halt criminal proceedings initiated against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has failed. She argued that the charges are fundamentally flawed due to issues regarding the appointment of the Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika. Judge, Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo-Bull rules that challenges to the validity of Rokoika’s appointment must be pursued through judicial review proceedings in the civil courts, and not through a criminal stay application. The court also relied heavily on the de facto officer doctrine, which provides that actions…

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