Magistrate Andrew See’s contract has not been terminated - Justice Gates

Chief Justice Anthony Gates has today made it clear that Lautoka Magistrate Andrew See's contract has not been terminated.

Fijivillage sought this clarification after the Islands Business claimed in a misleading article that Magistrate See’s contract was terminated.

Chief Justice Gates has told Fijivillage that the Judicial Services Commission appoints the magistrates and there has been no complaint, no disciplinary hearings and no termination.

He says that he is not aware where this story is coming from.

Chief Justice Gates says the 2013 constitution clearly states that the Judicial Services Commission deals with issues regarding the magistrates and there has been no complaint or disciplinary proceedings.

Islands Business had reported that Magistrate Andrew See's contract has been terminated, three weeks after he ruled in favour of the ATS employees.

The report was based on sources and the Chief Registrar, Yohan Liyange had told Islands Business that this was news to him and he was not aware of such changes.

The article was posted online.

Meanwhile Police took Islands Business Managing Director, Samisoni Pareti, Director, Netani Rika and journalist, Nanise Volau for questioning again today in relation to the misleading article on the ATS issue.

Spokesperson, Ana Naisoro confirms that Rika has been questioned and released while Pareti and Volau are still being questioned.

Naisoro has also clarified that Pareti, Rika and Volau were not arrested or detained as said by some in statements.

She says that they are being questioned and released.