The suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, has reached out to the Office of the President, urgently seeking the conclusion of an ongoing matter that has left both his position and salary unsettled. Mr. Pryde was placed on suspension in April 2023 due to allegations of misbehavior linked to a photograph taken with former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who was under investigation at that time.
In a public letter addressed to the Office of the President, Mr. Pryde requested access to the tribunal report concerning the allegations against him. He noted that the report was provided to the President on December 23, 2024, yet he has not had an opportunity to review its contents. Mr. Pryde invoked section 112 (6) of the Constitution, asserting that the report is mandated to be made public and is not subject to discretionary actions.
He emphasized that according to section 112 (3) (c) of the Constitution, the President is required to act based on the tribunal’s advice, with section 112 (5) stipulating that his suspension should be lifted if the report indicates a lack of sufficient evidence for the alleged misbehavior. As he has been suspended for nearly 21 months and his salary halted for almost six months, Mr. Pryde urged for the matter’s urgent resolution due to the significant financial hardship it has caused him.
His requests outlined in the letter included: notification of the report’s outcome, a copy of the report for personal review and public release, and the lifting of his suspension alongside the reinstatement of his salary and entitlements if the findings support his claim of insufficient evidence against him.
This situation highlights the importance of timely and transparent processes in legal and administrative matters, which is vital not just for individuals involved but also for the integrity of public institutions.
In summary, Christopher Pryde is advocating for transparency and resolution regarding his suspension, urging the completion and disclosure of the tribunal’s findings.
As a hopeful note, his initiative to seek clarity could pave the way for strengthening trust in judicial proceedings and procedural fairness, reinforcing the principles of justice and accountability.
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