Fiji’s suspended chief prosecutor, Christopher Pryde, has disclosed that the government proposed a secret settlement of NZ$150,000 aimed at persuading him to resign and evade an investigation into allegations of “misbehaviour.” At 59 years old, the New Zealander declined this offer, emphasizing that he felt financially incapable of defending himself at a recent hearing into the matter.
Pryde alleges that the government’s actions stem from an “ethno-national agenda,” suggesting that there is a systematic effort to replace foreigners and Indo-Fijians with indigenous Fijians, or iTaukei. He remarked on the lack of merit-based hiring practices in governmental positions, claiming that the authorities prioritize iTaukei individuals regardless of qualifications.
The Judicial Services Committee (JSC) made Pryde the out-of-court settlement offer roughly two months ago, having considered the available evidence. This offer, which was communicated through a letter by JSC secretary Tomasi Bainivalu, required Pryde’s immediate resignation as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in exchange for the settlement, preventing him from pursuing any further legal claims against the JSC.
Pryde expressed his conviction that resigning would not be justifiable, considering he has not engaged in any wrongdoing. He rejected what he described as a “grubby payout” and instead requested a formal acknowledgment from the President clearing him of any misconduct, which he believed would preserve his reputation.
Pryde was appointed as the DPP in November 2011 but was suspended on full pay in April 2023 on the advice of the JSC. His suspension follows an incident where he was seen conversing with the former Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, during a public event. The controversy revolves around whether Pryde had reviewed a police file concerning an ongoing investigation into Sayed-Khaiyum before their interaction, which he maintains he had not seen.
Additionally, Pryde faces allegations of receiving superannuation payments without appropriate approval from the JSC. Following his suspension, the Fijian government cut off his salary and other benefits, which heightened the challenges in mounting a defense.
Concerns regarding the inquiry’s fairness have been raised by the Fiji Law Society, which refused to represent Pryde, stating that the inquiry should not proceed in its current form. The society’s president highlighted issues with fairness, especially as Pryde could not engage in proceedings due to financial constraints caused by his salary being terminated.
The tribunal overseeing the inquiry is anticipated to submit its final recommendations to President Naiqama Lalabalavu by December 23, with Pryde voicing concerns about his likely dismissal from the position and the uncertainty surrounding any avenues for appeal.
While this situation underscores serious challenges regarding ethics and governance, it also highlights the need for transparency in legal proceedings, particularly in maintaining an equitable environment that respects the rights of all individuals involved. Upholding justice and fairness could pave the way for positive reforms in Fiji’s legal and administrative frameworks, ensuring that every individual’s rights are protected in the face of administrative actions.
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