A new development has emerged in the ongoing Barbara-gate controversy. 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, should be held to the same standards as suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde.
Mr. Pryde’s suspension in April, triggered by allegations concerning a controversial meeting with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador, has sparked intense discussions about transparency and accountability within Fiji’s government. It was reported that Mr. Pryde was seen conversing with Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum while an investigation by his office into Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum was pending.
As Mr. Seruiratu calls for justice and accountability, attention remains focused on high-ranking officials in the justice system. Recently, a photograph featuring Mr. Turaga, Ms. Malimali, and Mr. Rabuku was posted on the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page showing them at an event at the Grand Pacific Hotel welcoming a Japanese delegation. However, the photo was removed from the page shortly after it was published.
Background information reveals that Mr. Turaga is currently involved in an active case with FICAC, and Mr. Rabuku consulted with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva regarding Ms. Malimali’s FICAC case. Mr. Rabuku’s office had referred Ms. Malimali’s case to the Director of the Criminal Department of Investigation, citing it as ‘incomplete’ and requiring further police investigation.
Mr. Seruiratu has criticized the public interactions observed between the three officials. He emphasized the need for a review to determine whether suspensions or a tribunal are necessary to uphold the integrity of the justice system, particularly since Mr. Rabuku is linked to an investigation involving Ms. Malimali and has been seen with her publicly.
He stressed that public perception of impartiality is vital, especially when influential officials are implicated in investigations. Mr. Seruiratu drew parallels to Mr. Pryde’s situation, arguing that the precedent of his suspension for alleged misbehavior must be considered regarding the current trio.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry echoed these views, questioning whether authorities like Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo and DPP Nancy Tikoisuva would take action. He noted that DPP Tikoisuva has the constitutional authority to impose disciplinary measures against any DPP officer and pressed for fair action to restore the credibility of her office.
The Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Judicial Services Commission Chair, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, were contacted for comments on this matter, but no response was received by the time of publication. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Attorney-General’s Office explained the context of the recent visit from a high-level Japanese delegation without directly addressing specific inquiries. The mission aims to enhance relations in the law and justice sector and included a welcoming ceremony at the Grand Pacific Hotel.