The suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, has reached out to New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, seeking assistance regarding what he describes as a grave injustice against him in Fiji.
In his letter, Pryde explains that he was suspended on April 13, 2023, pending an inquiry and a possible decision by the President on whether to convene a Tribunal. Despite a delay of nearly a year, a Tribunal was established on March 5, 2024, but no hearing date has been set.
Pryde also claims that on April 16, 2024, he was informed that the Tribunal’s mandate had been expanded to include an additional charge related to receiving unauthorized superannuation payments. He asserts that he had already communicated with the Judicial Services Commission on this matter and denied any wrongdoing.
He further alleges that the Fijian government’s unilateral decision to cut off his salary at the four-year mark of his seven-year contract has impeded his ability to defend himself against these charges, which have been outstanding for 15 months.
Pryde warns that this situation should serve as a cautionary note to other New Zealanders considering taking up positions in Fiji.
On July 9, 2024, Pryde wrote to the Judicial Services Commission regarding his overdue gratuity allowance, due in April 2024. He states that on the same day, he received a letter from the President informing him that his salary and all contractual benefits would be suspended immediately.