The Tribunal Report regarding allegations of misconduct against the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, will be made available to the public after careful review by the President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
The investigation was conducted by a three-member Tribunal, established in accordance with section 112 of Fiji’s Constitution. The Tribunal was chaired by Justice Anare Tuilevuka, with Justice Chaitanya Lakshman and Justice Samuela Qica as the other members. The Tribunal concluded its work and submitted the Report to the President on December 23.
A statement from the President’s Office emphasized that His Excellency must thoroughly examine the Report, engage in consultations, and obtain necessary advice before making it public. Due to the holiday season, where some officials are on leave, the timeline for this process has been extended. However, it has been assured that the review will be completed once officials return to work in the New Year.
It is acknowledged that the release of the Report is mandated by section 112(6) of the Constitution, and the President is committed to fulfilling this requirement after ensuring all considerations are taken into account.
In a letter to the President’s office, Pryde has asked for a copy of the Report and urged for its public disclosure. He also emphasized that should the Report find insufficient evidence of misconduct, he expects an immediate lifting of his suspension and reinstatement as the Director of Public Prosecutions.
This situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within government institutions. The eventual release of the Tribunal Report could promote confidence in the judicial process and uphold the integrity of public offices.
In summary, as the review of the Tribunal Report progresses, it holds the potential for restoring clarity and ensuring proper governance in Fiji’s legal framework, paving the way for a resolution to the ongoing situation.
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