Suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde has strongly countered allegations made by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, who accused him of embezzling taxpayer funds in Fiji. Pryde described Temo’s claims as a “defamatory slur” against his character and emphasized the necessity of addressing these allegations.
In an interview, Pryde stated that the Acting Chief Justice should be held accountable for several points, including his failure to report the alleged misconduct to the proper authorities, his inflammatory and false statements during the Tribunal, and for what Pryde claims is contempt of the Tribunal by advising the President to unlawfully suspend his salary.
Pryde highlighted a recent correspondence from Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu, in which a settlement offer was made to him. However, Pryde declined this offer, seeking an exonerating letter from the President instead. The Chief Registrar ultimately retracted the settlement proposal when Pryde’s request could not be met.
Pryde argued that the Tribunal’s decision to proceed with hearings in his absence was unjust and has been criticized by the Fiji Law Society. He expressed concern that without his presence, Temo’s statements go unchallenged, allowing them to be misconstrued as true. He emphasized that the lack of a fair hearing has resulted in significant injustice.
Additionally, a letter from the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) to Pryde’s legal representatives offered him a sum of $200,000, contingent on his immediate resignation as DPP. This offer is described as a full and final settlement, effectively barring any future legal actions from Pryde against the JSC.
This unfolding situation illustrates the complexities surrounding allegations of misconduct in public office and highlights the importance of integrity and accountability among top judicial figures. As the case develops, it will be essential for all parties involved to ensure a fair and transparent process, ultimately contributing to the strengthening of Fiji’s judicial system.
In summary, Christopher Pryde is vehemently defending his reputation against serious allegations from Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo. He has raised concerns about the fairness of ongoing proceedings and has rejected settlement offers that do not exonerate him. The resolution of this case will be pivotal for both Pryde and the integrity of the judicial system in Fiji.
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