Charters case delayed again over missing documents

The case against former journalist and sports marketing expert Charlie Charters has been adjourned again, with key court documents still outstanding.

The matter was called before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne at the Suva Magistrate Court today but could not proceed due to incomplete paperwork linked to an ongoing investigation.

Defence lawyer Seforan Fatiaki told the court they had reviewed a supplementary affidavit indicating that data from Charters’ personal devices was obtained through an ex parte order.

The order had been granted earlier by High Court judge Justice Thusharara Rajasinghe, allowing authorities to extract information while investigations continue.

Mr Fatiaki said the defence has requested a copy of the application for that order and was informed by a Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) lawyer that it would be provided.

However, delays in releasing the documents have slowed the progress of the case.

Magistrate Somaratne noted that he does not have the authority to order the release of the devices, as the original order was issued by the High Court.

The court also heard that FICAC filed a stay application last week. However, progress has again been delayed, with the registry yet to release documents, reportedly due to judges attending a workshop.

With key documents still pending, the case has been adjourned to May 18 for updates on the application concerning the release of Charters’ devices.