The issuing of Stop Departure Orders (SDOs) by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is conducted on a case-by-case basis.

Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai said this in a statement issued today in response to claims made by former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum recently.

She said SDOs were issued to persons under investigation because of the risk of them not returning to Fiji.

“It should be highlighted that all complaints received are treated with high priority and nevertheless will follow the due process of legal assessment and investigation before the respective charges are filed in court,” Ms Puleiwai said.

“The decision to charge solely rests on the evidence at hand and through the approval of the Deputy Commissioner.

“In addition to the comments by Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum regarding the issuance of the Stop Departure Orders (SDO), it is solely applied at the discretion of the Acting Deputy Commissioner on a case-by-case basis given that most of our suspects are high profile persons and the case is of a public interest.

“There is always a high risk of suspects leaving the country without returning especially when there is an ongoing investigation against them.

“There has been instances that suspect (s) have left the country without our knowledge when there is an investigation on foot and upon arrival in another country, they immediately apply for “Protection Visa” claiming that the investigation against him or her is politically motivated.”

Ms Puleiwai says FICAC will continue to be independent in its work and will follow the rule of law in carrying out its mandate.

“The former Attorney General is aware of the due process of issuing of the SDO and FICAC will remain vigilant in its work in upholding the rule of law.”