FIJI: Rugby union accuses Commerce Commission of 'trial by media'

Dhanjay Deo
SUVA: The Fiji Rugby Union has accused the Commerce Commission of acting unlawfully and with little regard to anything except "self-promotion".

Chief executive officer Keni Dakuidreketi said the commission did not have powers to fine the FRU F$125,000 as it ought to prosecute an offender and ask a court to impose a fine.

Dakuidreketi said the most disturbing aspect of this saga was the Commission’s unending appetite for publicity.

He said the commission has a legal responsibility to investigate any alleged offence in a fair and responsible way and should not conduct a "trial by media".

Dakuidreketi suggested the commission do "the sensible thing" and have an open discussion with the FRU and its lawyers about what it was doing.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Commission has called a press conference to discuss the matter. - Fijivillage.com/Pacific Media Watch