The Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, provided testimony today during the special tribunal hearing for suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, in Suva. Turaga, who is the complainant in the case, criticized a lengthy discussion between Pryde and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, describing it as unbecoming and unethical.
The tribunal is currently examining allegations of misconduct and is tasked with advising the President on whether to remove Pryde from his position. Key details have emerged:
– On February 28, 2023, Pryde and Sayed-Khaiyum were spotted discussing matters for over 40 minutes while the Criminal Investigation Department was looking into allegations against Sayed-Khaiyum, which had already reached the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
– As of December 4, 2023, Pryde was receiving US$1000 monthly in superannuation without the necessary approvals from multiple offices.
During his testimony before Justices Anare Tuilevuka, Samuela Qica, and Chaitanya Lakshman, Turaga noted that the conversation took place away from other guests at the Japanese Embassy’s celebration of the Emperor’s birthday, implying an unusual level of secrecy. He remarked on Sayed-Khaiyum’s dominant role in the conversation, with Pryde appearing to agree.
Turaga expressed concerns about the appropriateness of their interaction given the ongoing investigation into Sayed-Khaiyum, citing the long professional relationship between Pryde and Sayed-Khaiyum as further complicating the situation. After this conversation, Turaga stated that when he confronted Pryde, the suspended DPP did not take the matter seriously, perceiving it as casual.
According to Turaga, Pryde acknowledged his poor judgment in this matter and sent an apology letter. Subsequently, Turaga advised the Prime Minister of the situation and later filed a formal complaint with the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).
The tribunal is scheduled to continue tomorrow, with six witnesses anticipated to be called to testify.
This situation highlights the importance of ethical conduct within the judiciary and government, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. It serves as a reminder of the potential ramifications when professional boundaries are crossed, particularly in cases of perceived conflicts of interest.
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