FICAC says it is beyond its control if suspects or parties release names of MPs under investigation

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption says it is beyond its control if the suspects or their respective political parties wish to divulge the names of the members of parliament under investigation as a matter of transparency.

Today, the names of eight Opposition MPs and one government MP being investigated for allegedly breaching eligibility requirements for travel and accommodation allowances was released publicly by the Fiji Sun despite none of them being charged or produced before court.

When asked if the principles of natural justice have been compromised because these individuals have been named despite not being charged and the investigation still underway, FICAC says it complies with the principles of natural justice at all times during the investigations.

FICAC also stresses that it does not divulge the names of people during the course of investigations.

The Commission says that the nature of the complaint alleges that these MPs claimed travel and accommodation allowances they were not entitled to.

FICAC says that once all the relevant evidence is collated and analysed, a decision will be made and necessary action taken, should it be required.