There has been a new development 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, be held to the same standards as the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde. Pryde was suspended last April following allegations of a controversial meeting with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador, where he was reportedly seen engaging in conversation with Sayed-Khaiyum amid an investigation regarding the former official.
As Seruiratu pushes for accountability, attention is being directed toward officials at the top levels of the justice system. Last Friday, a photo featuring Minister Turaga, Commissioner Malimali, and Deputy Director Rabuku surfaced on the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page. The trio was seen together at an event held at the Grand Pacific Hotel during the welcoming ceremony for a Japanese delegation to the Ministry of Justice. However, the photo was removed from the page shortly after this edition went to print.
In addition, Minister Turaga is currently under investigation by FICAC, while Rabuku had previously reviewed Malimali’s case in consultation with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva. Rabuku’s office had referred her case to the Director of the Criminal Department of Investigation due to it being labeled ‘incomplete,’ prompting further police investigation.
The suspended Christopher Pryde was dismissed from his position in April over alleged misconduct. His suspension was enacted by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere based on recommendations from the Judicial Services Commission.
Seruiratu has criticized an apparent open interaction among the three officials, asserting that it raises questions of bias and fairness. He stated that if similar standards are to be upheld, it may be necessary to assess whether suspensions or a tribunal should be considered for Malimali, Rabuku, and Turaga to preserve the credibility of the justice system.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry echoed these concerns, questioning whether the Acting Chief Justice and DPP would take action regarding the matter, given their authority to do so under the constitution.
This report sought comments from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, but no response was received by the time of publication. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Attorney-General’s Office provided context regarding the Japanese delegation’s high-level visit to Fiji, aimed at strengthening relations in the law and justice sectors, without addressing specific inquiries related to the officials in question.