Fiji’s former chief prosecutor, Christopher Pryde, has disclosed that he was secretly offered NZ$150,000 by the government to resign and avoid an inquiry into alleged misconduct. The offer, made two months ago, included terms stipulating that his resignation would conclude the investigation and prevent him from taking any legal action against the government.
Pryde, who has served as the director of public prosecutions since November 2011, rejected the proposal, asserting that it was part of an agenda aimed at promoting ethnic control within the country’s governance. He expressed his belief that the Fiji government prioritizes the appointment of indigenous Fijians over merit-based hiring practices.
Pryde was suspended in April 2023 by the former president, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, following a controversial interaction with former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. This conversation raised questions about whether Pryde had accessed sensitive information related to an ongoing police investigation before speaking with Sayed-Khaiyum, which Pryde denies.
Concerns regarding the fairness of Pryde’s inquiry process have been voiced by the Fiji Law Society, which declined to represent him and noted that the hearing should not continue in his absence. The Tribunal is predicted to finalize its recommendations by December 23, but Pryde fears the outcome will result in his removal from office.
Despite the challenges he faces, this situation highlights significant governance and procedural issues within Fiji’s legal system. Optimistically, it also provides an opportunity for dialogue regarding fairness and transparency in such inquiries, potentially leading to reforms that enhance legal processes and protect individual rights.
Summary: Christopher Pryde, Fiji’s suspended chief prosecutor, claims he was offered NZ$150,000 to resign and avoid an inquiry into alleged misconduct, which he views as part of a government agenda favoring indigenous hiring. The Fiji Law Society has raised concerns over the fairness of the inquiry process. The Tribunal’s final recommendations are expected by December 23.
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