The results of the tribunal concerning the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, are set to be released, although the announcement will be delayed until President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has thoroughly reviewed the report, engaged in consultations, and gathered necessary advice. This delay is due in part to some officials being on leave for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The report was submitted to the President on December 23, 2024. Following the submission, Mr. Pryde sent a request to the President’s office, urging for the report to be made public, as mandated by Section 112 (6) of the Constitution.
Mr. Pryde has been in his role since 2011 but has been suspended with pay since April 13, 2023, awaiting the tribunal’s findings. His suspension arose from allegations of misbehavior linked to his association with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, as stipulated in the Fiji Constitution.
A three-member Tribunal, led by Justice Anare Tuilevuka along with Justices Chaitanya Lakshman and Samuela Qica, was formed to investigate the allegations against him. In his correspondence to the President’s office, Mr. Pryde emphasized that based on the Tribunal’s findings, if there isn’t sufficient evidence to justify his suspension, he should be reinstated.
He expressed concern over the duration of his suspension, which has persisted for 21 months, and the subsequent financial difficulties caused by the cessation of his salary and entitlements. He has requested the urgent resolution of this matter, especially now that the Tribunal has concluded its work.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka refrained from commenting on the situation, indicating that it is not within his purview. The President’s office acknowledged the need to make the findings public while noting that the ongoing holiday schedules have delayed the necessary processes.
As the situation develops, there is hope for clarity and resolution in a matter that has significant implications for both Mr. Pryde and the public’s trust in the judicial process. The eventual release of the tribunal’s findings could pave the way for either Mr. Pryde’s reinstatement or further legal processes, depending on the evidence presented.
In summary, the process regarding the report on Mr. Pryde’s suspension is moving forward, albeit slower due to holiday delays, and both Mr. Pryde and the public await the findings that will determine the next steps.
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