Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo has criticized the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, for engaging in a lengthy conversation with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, emphasizing that this interaction was ill-advised. During his testimony in court, Temo noted that Sayed-Khaiyum was regarded as a contentious figure at that time, suggesting that Pryde, as the Chief Prosecutor, should have maintained professional boundaries and avoided any semblance of impropriety.
Temo highlighted the significant distrust that existed between the previous and current governments during the early days of the Coalition Government. The Prime Minister had urged senior public officers to resign if they could not cooperate with the new administration. As a top prosecutor appointed by the former government, Temo asserted that Pryde was expected to adhere strictly to his legal duties and avoid situations that could undermine his position.
While responding to inquiries about the specifics of the conversation between Pryde and Sayed-Khaiyum, Justice Temo confirmed that there were no records of what was discussed, although photographic evidence suggested that a meaningful dialogue took place. Furthermore, when questioned about guidelines for handling such ethical complaints, Temo stated that there was no formal framework in place, but he underscored the importance of upholding high ethical standards applicable to judicial officers.
In light of the conflicting testimonies between the Attorney-General, who represented the government, and Pryde, Temo felt compelled to recommend to the President, in consultation with the Attorney-General’s office, that a tribunal be established to investigate the matter. He expressed concern that failing to address the issue could lead to ongoing distrust between the government and the DPP.
The tribunal has commenced its investigation into the allegations of misconduct and is considering recommending Pryde’s removal from his position. Notably, it has come to light that Pryde was seen conversing with Sayed-Khaiyum on February 28, 2023, during a time when Sayed-Khaiyum was under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department, and that Pryde was receiving a monthly superannuation payment of US$1,000 without the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
The judicial proceedings are set to resume at 10 AM as the investigation unfolds.
The situation underscores the importance of maintaining integrity within the judicial system, particularly in politically charged environments. It’s a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability among public officials to build trust in the governance institutions. Despite the challenges, there is hope that the judicial processes will address these concerns effectively and restore confidence in the legal framework governing public prosecutions.
Leave a comment