Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, has pronounced that he will not resign from his position nor attend the tribunal hearing scheduled for December 2. Mr. Pryde claims that his suspension and the resulting withholding of his salary have compromised his ability to secure a legal representative, which he deems as ‘unfair.’
In his statement regarding the tribunal’s correspondence received on November 21, 2024, Mr. Pryde expressed concern over the fairness of the hearing. He questioned how a hearing could be just if he is denied the necessary resources to defend himself adequately. He emphasized that the current situation undermines the tribunal’s mandate for fairness and allegedly contravenes International Labour Organisation conventions, to which Fiji is a signatory.
Mr. Pryde has also criticized Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo and the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) for their role in his salary suspension, labeling their actions as a potential interference with the tribunal process. He noted that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has publicly supported his call for salary reinstatement, indicating that this view may resonate with the general public.
Affirming his stance, Mr. Pryde stated that he refuses to be intimidated by the JSC into resignation and will not participate in the tribunal process without proper legal support. He declared that unless his salary and entitlements are reinstated, he will not attend the hearing set for December.
The JSC chairperson, Mr. Temo, stated that further developments regarding the tribunal proceedings would commence in December, although he refrained from providing additional details as the matter is still pending adjudication.
This ongoing situation underscores significant issues regarding legal rights and fair treatment in judicial processes. Mr. Pryde’s firm stance may highlight the importance of equitable representation and procedural justice in the legal system. As these developments unfold, they will likely serve as a focal point for discussions regarding judicial integrity and the rights of public officials in Fiji.
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