9 Feb 2007

Fiji's President orders continued suspension of Chief Justice

8:55 am on 9 February 2007

Fiji's president, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, has ordered that the country's chief justice, Daniel Fatiaki, should remain suspended until a tribunal is appointed to investigate allegations against him.

The president issued the order after Mr Fatiaki repeatedly complained in the media that he has not been given formal notification suspending him.

In his letter, President Iloilo has reprimanded Mr Fatiaki and told him that his recent behaviour is neither acceptable nor appropriate, and has the effect of harming the standing of the judiciary in the eyes of the public.

President Iloilo has asked Mr Fatiaki to conduct himself with decorum and in a manner consistent with the dignity of high office

He has also told Mr Fatiaki to refrain from giving interviews to the media or otherwise impeding the lawful conduct of the tribunal

The suspended chief justice will continue to receive his salary and live at his state residence, but his official vehicle has been seized and his mobile phone de-activated.