Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka Photo: Supplied/MFAT
Fiji's acting prosecutor says there is "insufficient evidence" to press criminal charges against Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and other high-profile political figures, who were under investigation by the police.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) said in a statement on Friday, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) David Toganivalu has decided that "no charges will be laid" against Rabuka, government minister Sakiasi Ditoka, former PM Frank Bainimarama, head of the Methodist Church Ili Vunisuwai and senior member Waisale Tikowale, and opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu.
Rabuka, Ditoka, Bainimarama, Vunisuwai and Tikowale were alleged to have urged political violence and incited communal antagonism, while Bulitavu was alleged to have caused harm through electronic communication.
The police files against all six men were filed with the ODPP between February and April 2023.
The ODPP said the police files were sent to the DPP for an assessment of the evidence and a decision on whether any charges should be laid following the complaints.
"The acting DPP stated that after a review of the police docket and the evidence, it is our opinion that there is insufficient evidence to support any criminal charges against the suspects in their respective matters," the statement said.
"Therefore, the docket has been returned to police with the instructions not to charge and no further action is required."
Last month, on April 13, the suspended DPP Christopher Pryde released the list of high-profile dockets under consideration by the ODPP.
Soon after, Pryde was suspended and he awaits a tribunal hearing for "misbehaviour".
Toganivalu was appointed acting DPP the same day.
Rabuka told local media that the decision to suspend Pryde was made "a long time ago" and did not have to do anything with him releasing the names of individuals who were being investigated by his office.
He also said he was unaware of any investigations against him.