1 Mar 2012

Fiji's AG labels British Law Society group report a joke

10:40 am on 1 March 2012

Fiji's interim Attorney General says Britain's Law Society Charity report that there is no rule of law in Fiji is a joke.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the report should not be taken seriously and does not have any credibility, with him maintaining Fiji's judiciary and legal system are independent.

The report was compiled following a covert trip to the country by the group's chair Nigel Dodds - where he held meetings with various local lawyers.

But Mr Sayed-Khaiyum has told FBC News that Mr Dodds has no integrity because he did not follow the proper procedures.

He says Mr Dodds should have interviewed people of the attorney general's office and also private lawyers.

He added Mr Dodds could then have come up with a credible report.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum has also denied allegations that lawyers opposed to the interim government are no longer being employed.

Mr Dodds claims he did not meet the interim attorney general during his visit as it might have been portrayed as endorsement by his organisation.