7 Dec 2006

Fiji's judiciary has vowed to remain committed to upholding rule of law

8:19 am on 7 December 2006

Fiji's judiciary has vowed to remain committed to upholding the rule of law.

The statement came following a meeting of High Court judges after the military commander, Commodore Bainimarama, said he had dismissed the elected Qarase government and assumed executive power.

The chief Justice, Daniel Fatiaki, said the judges will stand by their judicial oaths to uphold the constitution and "do right to all manner of people in accordance with the law."

He said the courts will remain open to the public as normal.

The Office of the DPP has also issued a statement that the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Prosecutions Service continue to operate independently under the powers conferred on them by the Constitution.

The DPP's Office says in performing its functions, it will continue to pursue the maintenance of law within the framework of the Constitution and other existing laws.