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๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Fiji /Crime & Justice

Permanent Secretary Accused of Manhandling Staff Member Amidst Media Encounter

From FBC News · (15m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • FBC News is investigating allegations that a Permanent Secretary manhandled a ministry staff member.
  • Witnesses claim the incident occurred after the staff member spoke to the media, with the Permanent Secretary allegedly poking the employee and asserting his right to do so.
  • Media personnel also reported smelling alcohol on the Permanent Secretary, and FBC News is awaiting a response from the line Minister.

FBC News is committed to uncovering the truth behind serious allegations of misconduct within the civil service. We are pursuing a disturbing report involving a Permanent Secretary accused of physically manhandling a ministry staff member in full view of the media.

the Permanent Secretary then pulled the staff member aside and began aggressively questioning him in full view of media personnel present.

โ€” WitnessesDescribing the alleged incident involving the Permanent Secretary and a ministry staff member.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the confrontation escalated after the staff member engaged with journalists. Witnesses claim the Permanent Secretary aggressively questioned the employee, repeatedly poking him and asserting his authority in a manner that was both intimidating and unprofessional. This alleged behavior is particularly concerning given the context of media presence.

the Permanent Secretary repeatedly poked the staff member during the confrontation.

โ€” EyewitnessesDetailing the physical nature of the alleged confrontation.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, media personnel present at the scene reported smelling alcohol on the Permanent Secretary during the incident. The staff member reportedly objected to the physical contact and stated his intention to report the matter, claiming this was not an isolated event. FBC News has formally forwarded these details to the line Minister and is awaiting an official statement. We will continue to follow this story closely to ensure accountability and transparency.

he had no right to touch him and that the matter would be reported.

โ€” Ministry staff memberResponding to the Permanent Secretary's actions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.