Fiji’s government seeks a secret deal with Chief Justice Temo amid corruption allegations, while key findings remain disputed and redacted.

Fiji’s government is negotiating a confidential settlement with Chief Justice Salesi Temo after a Commission of Inquiry led by Australian judge David Ashton-Lewis accused him and others of corruption, including obstructing justice in the appointment of former FICAC head Barbara Malimali. The COI, which labeled Malimali “universally corrupt,” found evidence of misconduct, but prosecutors dropped all 12 related investigations due to insufficient evidence. Temo’s lawyer denies the settlement involves money, saying it aims to protect the judiciary’s reputation and prevent conflict between branches. The Judicial Services Commission challenges the COI’s findings, arguing it exceeded its authority and misinterpreted the FICAC Act and Constitution. Malimali was cleared of abuse of office, while former deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica faces charges of perjury. The full report remains redacted, and the government seeks to keep the settlement confidential.