News
Court to Hear Charters’ Bail Variation Application
Posted by Media Team 30 March 2026
The Suva Magistrates Court is scheduled to hear a bail variation application this week filed by Charlie Charters, who is seeking permission to travel to Hong Kong, his place of residence.
Mr Charters has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (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.
The matter was called today before Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne to confirm the accused’s return from Australia.
During the proceedings, defence counsel Seforan Fatiaki made a fresh bail variation application, submitting that the matter was urgent due to his client’s work commitments and the need to attend his uncle’s funeral in the United Kingdom.
Mr Fatiaki requested that the application be heard within the week.
FICAC State Counsel Rusiate Doidoi informed the court that the prosecution requires time to respond to the application.
Mr Fatiaki also made an additional application for the release of Mr Charters’ personal electronic devices, which were seized under a FICAC search warrant, stating that the devices are required for his client’s professional and personal use.
In response, Mr Doidoi submitted that investigations are ongoing and that FICAC’s Investigation Department is currently extracting relevant information from the devices to identify the principal offender.
Resident Magistrate Somaratne directed that the bail variation application will be heard on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
A ruling on the application is scheduled to be delivered on 7 April 2026.
The Court will also consider FICAC’s response regarding the application for the release of Mr Charters’ personal devices.
Mr Fatiaki further informed the court that the defence had initially intended to file an application for a Stay of Criminal Proceedings.
However, this will be deferred pending the outcome of related matters before the High Court.
