Former Journalist Charlie Charters, who has been charged with two counts of aiding and abetting under the Crimes Act by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, has been released on bail.

Charters appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne this afternoon.

Many of his friends and family were in court to support him.

FICAC lawyers Rusiate Doidoi, asked for strict bail conditions, including cash bail, reporting to a police station every two weeks, and a stop-departure order.

They also asked that he not contact FICAC staff, visit FICAC offices, or publish anything about the case.

His lawyer, Seforan Fatiaki, told the court that Charters lives in Hong Kong and was supposed to travel to Sydney for work.

He said his client’s job could be affected.

Fatiaki also said the main offender in the case has not been charged or identified.

Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne granted bail under normal conditions.

He said the defence can apply to change the bail conditions if Charters needs to travel.

The court heard that Charters has dual citizenship and his passports are with FICAC.

The Magistrate ordered that the passports be handed to the court registry.

FICAC has served the first phase of disclosures and has seven days to provide the second phase.

The case has been adjourned to 2 March.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa