Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, has strongly denied allegations made by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, claiming they amount to a ‘defamatory slur’ that tarnishes his reputation. In an interview with FijiLive, he expressed his determination to contest these accusations.
Pryde pointed out that if the Acting Chief Justice genuinely believed he had misappropriated taxpayer funds, he should have reported the matter to the appropriate authorities. He criticized Temo’s public statements and claimed they were not only unfounded but also constituted contempt of the Tribunal by influence over his salary suspension.
Furthermore, Pryde mentioned that in October, Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu extended a settlement offer to his legal team, which he declined because he sought a formal letter of exoneration from the President. This request was reportedly dismissed, leading to the withdrawal of the settlement offer.
He argued that the Tribunal’s decision to continue hearings in his absence was unjust and criticized the refusal to grant an extension for his participation. According to Pryde, the lack of opportunity to challenge the allegations against him creates an unfair situation where unexamined statements can appear true.
In correspondence addressed to Pryde’s attorneys, the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) reportedly offered him $200,000 in exchange for his immediate resignation as DPP, emphasizing that this would conclude any pending proceedings regarding the tribunal and prevent future legal actions against the JSC.
This ongoing situation highlights the complexities and challenges of the legal and judicial system in Fiji, illustrating the deep frustrations of those involved. Despite the tension, there remains an opportunity for resolution and rebuilding trust within the judicial framework.
In summary, Christopher Pryde contends with serious allegations made by acting judicial figures, creating a storm of controversy and raising questions about legal processes in Fiji. His insistence on a fair hearing underscores the importance of transparency and justice in legal matters. This scenario not only reflects personal consequences for Pryde but also broader implications for the integrity of the judiciary.
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