News
Court to Rule on Charters Bail Variation Tomorrow
Posted by Media Team 3 March 2026
A ruling on Charlie Charters’ bail variation application to travel overseas will be delivered at the Suva Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Defence counsel, Seforan Fatiaki, informed the court that the purpose of Mr. Charters’ travel to Australia is employment-related.
He stated that he has obtained a letter from the accused’s employer outlining the reasons for the proposed travel, which is to attend a tournament in Australia.
The proposed travel dates are from 5 March 2026 to 30 March 2026.
Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne directed the defence to provide an itinerary for Mr. Charters today prior to delivering his ruling on the bail variation application.
Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) State Counsel, Rusiate Doidoi, submitted that the prosecution maintains its objection to the accused’s travel on the grounds that Mr. Charters poses a serious flight risk.
Mr. Doidoi further submitted that, if permitted to travel, there is a high probability that Mr. Charters may abscond bail, as he holds dual citizenship in Fiji and the United Kingdom, and his primary place of residence is in Hong Kong.
He added that the tournament Mr. Charters was scheduled to attend has already commenced, and therefore the element of necessity is no longer present.
However, Resident Magistrate Somaratne indicated that the bail variation application had been filed prior to the commencement of the tournament.
Mr. Doidoi also informed the court that if Mr. Charters is permitted to travel and subsequently proceeds from Australia to Hong Kong, the court would have no jurisdiction over the accused.
In response, Mr. Fatiaki submitted that travel for employment purposes is recognised under the Bail Act 2002.
He stated that the letter from the accused’s employer clearly outlines the importance of Mr. Charters’ attendance at the tournament in Australia.
He further informed the court that the defence is offering two additional sureties and a $2,500 cash bail bond to address concerns regarding the risk of absconding.
FICAC is seeking a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of $10,000 in this matter.
Mr. Charters has been charged by FICAC with two counts of Aiding and Abetting, contrary to Section 45 of the Crimes Act 2009, read together with Section 13G(1) of the FICAC Act 2007.
Resident Magistrate Somaratne will deliver his ruling tomorrow.
