The findings of the Tribunal regarding the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Christopher Pryde, will eventually be disclosed to the public. However, this disclosure will occur only after President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has reviewed the report, engaged in necessary consultations, and received advice on it. As stated by the President’s Office, the publication of the report is delayed due to the ongoing Christmas and New Year holidays that have left some officials unavailable.
The report was handed over to Ratu Naiqama on December 23, 2024. In a timely move, Mr. Pryde himself has reached out to the President’s office to request the public release of the findings. According to Section 112 (6) of the Fijian Constitution, the report is mandated to be made public.
Mr. Pryde has served as the DPP since 2011 and was placed on suspension with full pay on April 13, 2023, while the tribunal investigates allegations of misbehavior linked to his association with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. The suspension falls under the provisions outlined in Chapter 5, Part A, Section 112 (4) of the Constitution. A Tribunal comprising three members, chaired by Justice Anare Tuilevuka, was constituted to assess the claims against him.
In his communication to the President’s office, Mr. Pryde highlighted that the Constitution requires the President to heed the tribunal’s advice and suggested that if evidence of misconduct is insufficient, it is appropriate for the suspension to be lifted, allowing for his reinstatement as DPP. He requested the urgent lifting of his suspension, which has been in effect for nearly 21 months, and emphasized the financial difficulties this situation has caused him over the past six months during which his salary has been halted.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has refrained from commenting, citing that the matter does not fall under his authority. As the situation develops, responses are awaited from key officials, including the Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga and Attorney-General Graham Leung.
The President’s Office has confirmed that once the involved officials return from their holidays, the report review process will be completed, and the report will be made available to the public as required by the Constitution.
This situation illustrates the balance of accountability and due process within the judicial system, as the impatience for a resolution reflects the importance of transparent governance. The public disclosure of the findings promises to bring clarity and closure to what has been a protracted matter for all those involved.
In summary, the report on Christopher Pryde’s suspension will be published after due process, pending the President’s review. This situation underscores the critical nature of transparency and accountability in public office, and it remains hopeful that a resolution will benefit all parties involved, particularly Mr. Pryde after his long suspension.
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