A new development has emerged in the ongoing Barbara-gate controversy. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu is demanding that several key government officials, including Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Commissioner Barbara Malimali, and Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku, be held to the same standards as suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde.
Pryde was suspended last April following allegations concerning a meeting with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence, which has sparked significant debate over transparency and fairness within Fiji’s leadership. The situation escalated after an investigation was initiated by Pryde’s office into Sayed-Khaiyum.
As Seruiratu pushes for accountability, attention remains on the top officials within the justice system. Last Friday, a photograph of Turaga, Malimali, and Rabuku was posted on the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page, showing them at the Grand Pacific Hotel during a welcoming ceremony for a Japanese delegation. The photo was removed later before this article went to print.
Turaga currently faces an active case with FICAC, while Rabuku had reviewed Malimali’s FICAC case in consultation with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva. Rabuku referred the matter to the Director of the Criminal Department of Investigation on September 24, 2024, citing the need for further police inquiry due to an ‘incomplete’ case.
Pryde was dismissed from his position last April over alleged misconduct, with his suspension being recommended by the Judicial Services Commission. This suspension aligns with constitutional provisions regarding misconduct.
Seruiratu condemned the public interaction among the three officials, stating that it might undermine public confidence in ongoing investigations. He advocated for a review of the circumstances concerning these officials to determine if suspensions or further action are necessary, similar to what occurred with Pryde.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry echoed these concerns, questioning whether the JSC and DPP Tikoisuva would take appropriate action and utilize the precedent set by the Pryde case to address potential biases.
Attempts to reach Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and JSC Chair, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, for comments received no response prior to publication. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Attorney-General’s Office provided context regarding the Japanese delegation’s visit to Fiji, which aims to enhance cooperation between both nations in the law and justice sector.