25 Jan 2023

Police questioning of Fiji's former Attorney General suspended

11:39 am on 25 January 2023
Fiji Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Fiji Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Photo: Fiji government

The police interviewing of FijiFirst Party General Secretary and former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has reportedly been suspended.

FBC News reports the interview with Sayed-Khaiyum will continue.

Police Chief of Intelligence and Investigations, Surend Sami, told the broadcaster the suspension is to allow investigators to verify issues and information gathered during the interviews.

FijiVillage reported there was a second round of questioning on Tuesday.

The Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, had filed a complaint against Sayed-Khaiyum on December 22, for allegedly inciting racial hatred and violence at a media conference in Suva before the coalition government had been formed.

In that conference, Sayed-Khaiyum had claimed of stoning incidents highlighted by the Police and said that this demonstrates the divisive character of the People's Alliance Leader Sitiveni Rabuka, who is now the Prime Minister.

President told not to take external legal advice

Fiji's Attorney General, Siromi Turaga, has told the President he should not take legal advice from the former Attorney General, the former Prime Minister or from the opposition FijiFirst Party.

Fiji Village reports Turaga saying he briefed President Wiliame Katonivere that he must only accept legal opinions from the Attorney General's Chambers.

He said no other law firm should be advising on any other matters, and if he is in doubt, the Attorney General's Chambers is able to assist the President.

Turaga said according to the Constitution and the law, any issues dealing with government affairs are to be dealt with by the coalition government and it's head, Sitiveni Rabuka.

Complaint lodged against former Prime Minister

A Human Rights activist has filed a complaint against FijiFirst leader Frank Bainimarama.

FBC News reports Surend Sami confirmed the complaint was in relation to the statements made on live videos on the FijiFirst Facebook page on January 1 and 4.

In her complaint, Shamima Ali has alleged that Bainimarama's statements were intended to cause public alarm, anxiety, disaffection, discontent and were made with malicious intent.

Sami said the investigation has now been taken over by the Criminal Investigation Department.

Fiji President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere will officially open Parliament on Friday, February 3.