Christopher Pryde, reinstated as Fiji’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has announced that he will not return to his position on January 20 as previously planned. This decision follows new allegations lodged against him by Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva. Pryde explained that he needs time to respond to the formal complaint outlined in correspondence he received from Chief Justice Salesi Temo.

In his statement, Pryde emphasized that the allegations arose after Tikoisuva reviewed his personal file from the Office of the DPP (ODPP) subsequent to a previous tribunal hearing. He firmly rejects these new claims and questions the timing of the allegations, noting they were not raised during the 21 months prior. The new allegations pertain to various forms of misbehavior, invoking a serious need for Pryde to locate original documents dating back to 2012 to adequately refute the claims. He expressed concern over the significant workload involved in responding within a tight 14-day timeframe.

Pryde stated, “I have already made arrangements to return, but clearly, impediments are being placed in my way over which I have no control.” The allegations’ gravity and the potential for another tribunal to be convened to investigate create a pressing need for Pryde to allocate considerable effort in addressing each claim. He further extended apologies to government officials and the public for the delay in his planned return, underscoring the critical need to restore the credibility of Fiji’s criminal justice system now that a new police leadership team is in place.

Reflecting on the scrutiny he faces, Pryde remains optimistic that any investigation will ultimately clear him of wrongdoing, believing that the process could foster greater accountability within the legal framework and bolster public confidence in judicial processes moving forward.

The surrounding context of these allegations highlights ongoing challenges within Fiji’s legal framework, yet it also encourages a review and potential reform of the ODPP, aimed at enhancing ethical practices and public trust. Stakeholders remain cautiously hopeful that the focus on transparency and accountability may yield positive reforms for Fiji’s justice system.