Page 22 - Islands Business September 2023

Corruption Corruption

Delegates at the Pacific Anti-Corruption Conference. Photos: Fiji Government

PACIFIC JUDICIARIES ILL-EQUIPPED

AGAINST TECHNOLOGY, SAYS JUDGE

By Kite Pareti public distrust in the judiciary and perpetuate misconceptions
about corruption cases.
Rapid global advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and “The power of the media to shape public opinion can
other technologies have left judiciaries in the Pacific outdated inadvertently impact the handling of corruption cases;
and ill-equipped to tackle emerging challenges, “particularly sensationalism, biased reporting or trial by media can sway
when it comes to dealing with corruption offences, which public perception and put undue pressure on charges.
are highly complex in nature compared to other criminal “Media scrutiny and public commentary, while important
offences”, a regional anti-corruption conference has heard. for accountability, should not encroach upon the judiciary’s
Nauru’s Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena told the Pacific ability to render impartial decisions based on the law and the
Anti-Corruption Regional Conference in Nadi in July that the evidence presented before them.
judiciary played a critical role in the fight against corruption, He said another challenge judiciaries around the world
but the judiciary alone cannot shoulder this burden. faced is the misconception that anti-corruption laws are
“Governments, civil society organisations, the private intended for political witch hunts.
sector and the international community must unite to combat “Unfortunately, this misconception often leads to criticism
corruption so that the judiciaries can be empowered to of the courts, particularly when high-profile figures are
efficiently deal with corruption cases,” Justice Wimalasena involved, further exaggerated by the influence of social
told the 200 delegates from around the region. media. It is no secret that corruption cases involving high-
Justice Wimalasena said one of the biggest challenges profile individuals tend to receive significant media attention.
facing judiciaries in the modern era is the influence of social “In the public’s case, driven by curiosity or political
media on corruption cases. leanings, [they] often ignore the vast number of corruption
“In this digital age, information spreads rapidly and public trials involving ordinary public servants and everyday citizens.
discourse on social media platforms has the power to shape The reality is that courts handle numerous corruption cases
public perception and opinions. Unfortunately, judiciaries where the accused are not in the public eye. But these cases
often find themselves defenseless against criticisms with seldom attract the same level of scrutiny or public interest.
limited avenues to respond. The predicament has become an “In the face of these challenges, it is crucial for us to
all too convenient excuse for blaming the judiciary as their promote a more balanced and informed perspective on
side of the story remains unheard. corruption and the role of the judiciary. We must emphasise
“Social media has become a breeding ground for that anti-corruption rules apply to all citizens, regardless
misinformation, rumours, polarised discussions which can fuel of their social status or prominence. The focus should be on

22 Islands Business, September 2023