This afternoon, leave was granted to Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to initiate proceedings for contempt of court against the Fiji Times Limited, the Fiji Times Editor Fred Wesley, and the Fiji Times Publisher Brian O’Flaherty.
The offending article, “FIFA probes Doc,” appeared in the Monday, 07 November, 2011 edition of the Fiji Times. Statements in the article questioned the existence of a judiciary in Fiji, potentially undermining the public’s confidence in the administration of justice, and potentially damaging the integrity of the enforcement of justice.
This is the second time that contempt proceedings have been initiated against the Fiji Times Limited, its editors and publishers. In 2008, when contempt of proceedings were brought against Fiji Times Limited, the then-Editor, and the then-Publisher, they pleaded guilty. The Fiji Times Limited was fined FJD$100,000; the then-Editor was given a 3-month suspended prison term; and the then-Publisher and Editor were both required to enter into a bond of good behaviour.
The Attorney-General commented, “It is my responsibility to protect the independence of the courts, as the Fijian Government adheres to the separation of powers, and promotes – in principle and in practice – the independence of the judiciary. This ensures inter alia that the law is applied to all persons equally.”
The case will be called next in the High Court on 28 November, 2011.
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