In a recorded video statement on Tuesday night, Turaga said he wanted to address the accusations directly. 12 March 2024 Photo: Screengrab / Attorney-General Siromi Turaga
The Attorney-General of Fiji Siromi Turaga, currently under investigation by police in relation to his handling of a divorce case in 2022, says allegations published against him by a national newspaper are "baseless and misleading".
Police have confirmed they received a report against Turaga, who is also the Justice Minister, and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters team is now handling the case.
According to the Fiji Sun newspaper, the complainant is a retired Fiji military officer Mikaele Lewaicei and the report against the country's chief law officer is for "allegedly obtaining financial benefit through deception, fraud, and uttering a false document" while he was a private legal practitioner.
However, in a recorded video statement on Tuesday night, Turaga said he wanted to address the accusations directly and slammed the newspaper for publishing a front page story about him without being "given enough time to respond to the allegations".
"These claims are baseless and misleading. My input was not sought, resulting in a one-sided article that goes against the principles of fair and transparent journalism," he said.
The Fiji Sun, "took a story that was posted on social media and publish[ed] it without bothering to do any verification on whether the allegations directed towards me or true", he said.
Turaga did not comment on the police investigations but said the complainant was never at any point my his client.
"My duty is only towards my client and to no one other than what we need to respect the process for the sake of transparency."
"As the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, I face unwarranted accusations. Last month, my family and I were unfairly targeted with comments and baseless accusations."
He confirmed he has engaged the services of the local law firm who will handle any inquiries and questions regarding the claims on his behalf.
He said his team will also lodge a complaint with the Fiji Media Council against the Fiji Sun, adding "journalists are watchdogs and their role is to publish a fair, balanced and accurate news article".
"Such personal attacks distract the public from the real issues and create a climate of distrust. It is disheartening to see public officials being undermined in this way."
RNZ Pacific contacted Turaga for comment on Tuesday to address the allegations. However, we have not received a response.