Criticising Government is healthy as detention questioned

In a democracy, it is not only acceptable to criticise the Government — it is healthy.

National Federation Party Member of Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua made the comment on social media following the detention and arrest of former journalist Charlie Charters by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) last night.

She asked: “Where is Charlie Charters?”

Charters was detained at Nadi International Airport yesterday.

He was later taken to Suva and detained overnight at the FICAC office for questioning.

Charters has been vocal on social media, exposing alleged corrupt practices in the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) and FICAC.

This included leaked documents of a whistleblower complaint against leadership at the FSC and FICAC.

“Constructive criticism is not disloyalty. It is participation,” Qereqeretabua said.

She said those privileged to serve in Parliament were accountable to the people every day, not only at election time.

“You can respect the office and still question the decisions. You can support the country and still challenge the Government. That is how democracies mature,” she said.

Details of the allegations against Charters were not available last night.