Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, has responded to allegations made by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, who accused him of misappropriating taxpayer money in Fiji. Pryde characterized these claims as a “defamatory slur” against his character and asserted that they must be addressed.
In statements made to FijiLive, Pryde emphasized several points regarding the situation. He argued that if the Acting Chief Justice genuinely believed he had committed theft, then it was his responsibility to report the matter to the appropriate authorities. Moreover, Pryde expressed concern over Temo’s defamatory statements presented to the Tribunal and accused him of showing contempt by advising the President to unlawfully suspend his salary.
Additionally, Pryde mentioned that in October, Chief Registrar Tomasi Bainivalu communicated with his lawyers regarding a potential settlement offer. However, he rejected this settlement, insisting instead on receiving a formal letter of exoneration from the President. As a result, the settlement offer was subsequently withdrawn.
Pryde has also stated that the Tribunal’s decision to hold hearings in his absence was unjust. He pointed out that this procedure prevented him from challenging the evidence against him, which contributed to a significant sense of unfairness and injustice in the legal process. He highlighted the Fiji Law Society’s support for his stance on these hearing objections.
In a letter from the Chief Registrar, it was disclosed that the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) offered Pryde a settlement of $200,000, contingent on his immediate resignation from the DPP position. The JSC indicated that accepting this offer would terminate all ongoing proceedings and bar Pryde from pursuing any legal actions against them.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities of the judicial system in Fiji and raises important questions about accountability and fair legal representation. It serves as a reminder of the necessity for robust legal processes that protect the rights of individuals in the face of serious allegations.
Despite the current challenges, there may be hope for resolution through the potential for a settlement or further examination of the evidence in the case, which could lead to a clearer understanding and perhaps a reconciliation of the parties involved.
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