Anthony Gates

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Anthony Harold Cumberland Thomas Gates is an expatriate judge serving the Fijian Judiciary. On 16 January 2007, he was named Acting Chief Justice of Fiji, to fill in for Daniel Fatiaki, who was sent on leave by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in the wake of the military coup of 5 December 2006. [1] The military-backed regime has ordered an inquiry into the operations of the judiciary.

Gates is best known for his sentencing of Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, the Qaranivalu (Paramount Chief) of Naitasiri, to life imprisonment for his role in inciting an army mutiny at Suva's Queen Elizabeth Barracks on 2 November 2000. [2]

[edit] Controversial appointment

The appointment of Gates was criticized by Rev. Akuila Yabaki, Executive Director of the Citizens Constitutional Forum, who said that it amounted to interference in the judiciary. [3]

Suspended Chief Justice Fatiaki condemned the appointment as a "disgrace" , saying it was unconstitutional and compromised the integrity and independence of the judiciary. [4] He attacked fellow-Judge Nazhat Shameem for her role in the decision, saying that she had unlawfully chaired a meeting of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and written to President Ratu Josefa Iloilo on behalf of the JSC, recommending the appointment of Gates. He condemned this as a disgraceful and cowardly act, [5] which he denounced as a betrayal of his trust and of the judiciary, [6] and said, contrary to assertions from Shameem and interim Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, that his leave of absence was forced, not voluntary.

Attorney-General Khaiyum said that Shameem had chaired the meeting on his orders, not her own initiative. [7]