The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has informed the Magistrate’s Court that its effort to extradite suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde is ongoing. During a court session presided over by Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, FICAC counsel Lilian Mausio reported that an effort to serve legal disclosures to Mr. Pryde in New Zealand was unsuccessful, as he was not home during the visit of the officer sent for this purpose. To facilitate the process, FICAC has enlisted the services of a New Zealand-based bailiff to ensure the disclosures are served properly.
The case has been set for a mention on March 27, 2026, to allow time for updates regarding the service of these disclosures. Magistrate Prasad emphasized the necessity of confirming that the disclosure had been served before the proceedings can advance. The upcoming court date will focus on verifying whether this has been achieved and if Mr. Pryde has communicated his stance on the matter.
FICAC is pursuing Mr. Pryde’s extradition related to charges stemming from alleged corruption. The court’s progress is contingent on the successful service of disclosures and the filing of an accompanying affidavit.
In a related development, Mr. Pryde expressed serious concern over an incident involving three individuals in Christchurch who purportedly conducted covert surveillance outside his home. According to him, these individuals, whom his neighbor was informed were Fijian government agents, questioned the neighbor about his family. Mr. Pryde has subsequently filed a police report in New Zealand, seeking clarifications about who authorized the operation and questioning why foreign agents were allegedly permitted to operate unchallenged on New Zealand territory.
This case reflects ongoing complexities in legal and diplomatic relations, highlighting the challenges of extradition processes and transnational legal cooperation. The developments surrounding Mr. Pryde underline the importance of maintaining legal protocols and the rights of individuals, irrespective of the challenges posed by international jurisdiction.
Leave a comment