The Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde has categorically refuted claims made in a report by Radio New Zealand yesterday that the International Labour Organisation was involved in negotiations to have a trade unionist released from police custody last week.
Fiji Trades Union Congress National Secretary, Felix Anthony and two other trade unionists, Salanieta Matiavi and Paula Manumanunitoga were arrested last week by police on suspicion of having breached the Public Order Act.
Pryde stresses that at no time did the International Labour Organisation have anything to do with the release of Felix Anthony from police custody. Anthony was released along with Salanieta Matiavi and Paula Manumanunitoga, within the 48‑ hour time frame without charge after the police were satisfied there was no need for further enquiry.
He says any suggestions that the ILO or any other organisation negotiated their release are false.
Pryde also says that the files of the three trade unionists are with the DPP’s Office and a decision on what charges, if any, will be made in due course.
He says the decision to charge is made independently by the Director of Public Prosecutions on the basis of sufficiency of evidence and the public interest.
This process does not involve negotiations with the ILO or any other organisation or person.
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