FICAC opposes bail variation for Charters’ overseas travel

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has opposed a bail variation application by British-Fijian citizen Charlie Charters, who seeks permission to travel overseas to attend his uncle’s funeral and visit his ageing mother in the United Kingdom.

Charters, who also requested to return to Hong Kong, where he lives and works, appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne yesterday afternoon.

FICAC lawyer Rusiate Doidoi argued that Charters posed a flight risk.

Defence lawyer Seforan Fatiaki countered that Charters had previously traveled to Australia for work earlier this month and returned to Fiji, demonstrating his willingness to comply with bail conditions.

“If he intended to abscond, he would not have returned,” Mr Fatiaki said.

Mr Doidoi also challenged the validity of an affidavit filed by Charters and witnessed by an Australian solicitor, stating it was not recognised in Fiji as it was not certified by a local notary.

Mr Mr Fatiaki responded that documents notarised within the Commonwealth are legally binding in Fiji. Charters is expected to file a fresh affidavit with the registry tomorrow.

Doidoi submitted that Charters should be treated the same as other applicants seeking overseas travel.

Mr Fatiaki argued the case is unique, noting that Charters neither resides nor works in Fiji, placing him in a different position from other applicants.

Magistrate Somaratne is expected to deliver a ruling on the bail variation application next Tuesday.