Christopher Pryde has officially been reinstated as Fiji’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), a move that has garnered significant public interest. The announcement came via a statement from the Fiji Government on social media.
Pryde’s suspension, which began on April 13, 2023, was initiated by then-President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. The reasons for the suspension were linked to his discussions with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at a social event on February 28, 2023. In response, a three-member tribunal was formed to investigate the incident. Following the tribunal’s findings, current President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu reached out to Pryde, instructing him to return to his role in a structured manner.
The President’s directives upon Pryde’s reinstatement include: reinstating the Agreement of Service established on September 4, 2019; ensuring the prompt payment of his outstanding salary and benefits; and instructing him to report to the Judicial Services Commission for the recovery of his official items such as his laptop and office keys.
This development marks a significant resolution in what has been one of the most notable legal disputes in Fiji. Although Mr. Pryde has not yet commented publicly, this reinstatement suggests a desire for stability and continuity within Fiji’s legal system moving forward.
The positive aspect of this news is that it represents a return to normalcy in Fiji’s legal framework, paving the way for continued progress in the judicial system. In a climate of uncertainty, Mr. Pryde’s return can be seen as a commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
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