[File Photo]
The Suva High Court has permanently stopped the criminal case against former journalist Charlie Cobham Charters.
Charters was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption with two counts of aiding and abetting over the alleged publication of official FICAC information on his Facebook account.
The case was set to go to trial in the Suva Magistrates Court in September.
However, the High Court ruled the charges could not continue, finding the prosecution case had major legal issues.
The Court found FICAC had failed to identify who Charters allegedly aided and abetted.
It also raised concerns that the charges were too broad, making it difficult for the defence to know exactly what evidence would be used against him.
The Court further found that Charters’ rights, including his right to remain silent and freedom of expression, had been affected.
Speaking after the decision, Charters’ lawyer Sefron Fatiaki said the ruling brings the criminal proceedings to an end.
Fatiaki says the judgement confirms Charters will no longer face trial in the Magistrates Court.
FICAC had challenged the application, arguing the High Court should not decide whether the case would fail before a trial.
However, the Court granted the permanent stay, bringing the matter to a close.
