Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Fiji’s High court rejects application by officer
Fiji’s High court rejects application by controversial Fiji army officer
The Suva High Court has rejected an application by the controversial Fiji army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini, for a judicial review of President Iloilo’s refusal to accept his resignation from overseas.
Radio Fiji reports that the judgment effectively means that Lieutenant Colonel Tarakinikini is liable to be recalled to Fiji to face military charges.
In a summary of his judgment, Justice Gerard Winter, says Lieutenant Colonel Tarakinikini was appointed chief of staff of the military by the coup front man, George Speight, and later investigated for his alleged involvement in the coup.
Justice Winter says the President, as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, has the power not to accept Tarakinikini’s resignation.
He says the commander-in-chief’s decision to accept or reject a commissioned officer’s resignation does not pose issues of the kind which courts are competent to deal with.
Justice Winter says Lieutenant Colonel Tarakinikini could not challenge either the president’s rejection of his resignation or procedural steps leading up to it.
Lieutenant Colonel Tarakinikini has been overseas since early 2001 and has refused to come back despite an order from the military.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Being LBGTI in Asia: UNDP And ILGA World Launch The International Pride Awards, Recognising LGBTIQ+ Equality Champions
UN News: UN Teams Dispatch Aid As Deadly Flash Floods Hit Northern Afghanistan
Save The Children: It’s Not Safe And It’s Not Clean, But People Believe They Are Leaving Something Worse Behind
APEC: APEC Commits To Empowering People With Disabilities
UN News: Israeli Forces Bringing War To The West Bank, Warns UN Rights Office
UN News: 10,000 People Feared Buried Under The Rubble In Gaza