There has been a significant development in the ongoing Barbara-gate scandal. Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu is urging that 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 the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde.
Mr. Pryde was suspended last April following allegations surrounding a contentious meeting with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence, which raised serious concerns about transparency and fairness within Fiji’s leadership. During this meeting, Mr. Pryde was reportedly seen conversing with Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum while his office was conducting an investigation into the former Attorney-General.
As Mr. Seruiratu demands accountability, the focus now shifts to those at the top of the justice system. Last Friday, a photo of Mr. Turaga, Ms. Malimali, and Mr. Rabuku, taken at an event welcoming a Japanese delegation at the Grand Pacific Hotel, was posted on the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page. However, the image was removed just as this edition was going to print.
Mr. Turaga is currently under investigation by FICAC, while Mr. Rabuku has been reviewing Ms. Malimali’s case in collaboration with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva. On September 24, Mr. Rabuku’s office referred the ongoing investigation regarding Ms. Malimali to the Director of the Criminal Department of Investigation, indicating that the evidence was insufficient for a conclusion.
Christopher Pryde’s suspension was enacted following recommendations from the Judicial Services Commission, citing alleged misconduct. His dismissal stems from issues surrounding his professional conduct and interactions with political figures.
Mr. Seruiratu has expressed disapproval of the apparent casual interactions among the officials, suggesting that if similar standards of accountability are to be followed, it would be wise for relevant authorities to assess whether suspensions or a tribunal are necessary to preserve the integrity of the justice system. He emphasized that public perception of impartiality is critical, particularly when significant figures are involved in active investigations.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry echoed these sentiments, questioning whether the Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo and DPP Nancy Tikoisuva would take any action regarding the matter, given that DPP Tikoisuva possesses the constitutional authority to enact disciplinary measures against her subordinates. He highlighted the need for adherence to principles demonstrated in Pryde’s situation in order to restore the credibility of the office.
Attempts to reach Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Judiciary Services Commission Chair for comments went unanswered at the time of publication. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Attorney-General’s Office provided information on the Japanese delegation’s visit without directly addressing the specific concerns raised.