Suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde reported that the government stopped paying his salary earlier this week. Pryde has written a five-page letter to New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, seeking assistance to address what he considers a “grave injustice” by the government. The letter has also been sent to the Fiji Law Society and Fiji media organizations.
Pryde informed Peters that the cessation of his salary would leave him financially incapable of defending himself against what he described as “totally unwarranted charges” of misconduct, which led to his suspension last year. He stated that these charges have been pending for 15 months without a scheduled hearing, as required by the Constitution.
Pryde expressed concern that the Fijian government’s handling of his case could affect other expatriate New Zealanders considering roles in Fiji’s civil service or judiciary. He labeled the sudden stop in his salary a denial of natural justice and sought Peters’ intervention.
In his letter, Pryde explained that former Attorney-General Siromi Turaga filed a complaint against him to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), alleging inappropriate interaction with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during a police investigation involving Sayed-Khaiyum. Pryde claimed his apology letter, suggested by Turaga, was used as evidence against him.
The letter also raised issues about the conduct of former acting DPP John Rabuku, resident Magistrate Seini Puamau, and acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo. Pryde argued that the Fijian government’s actions should concern New Zealand due to their implications on the rule of law in the region.
Justice Minister Siromi Turaga stated that newly appointed Attorney-General Graham Leung, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and the JSC are best positioned to address Pryde’s concerns. Turaga noted that the tribunal’s commencement had been delayed due to revelations regarding Pryde’s superannuation.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he would comment on the issue after reviewing Pryde’s letter and mentioned that he would receive an update on the tribunal during the Constitutional Offices Commission meeting.