Pryde’s Plea: Is Justice Being Denied?

Suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, has reached out to the Chairman of the Constitutional Tribunal, Justice Anare Tuilevuka, to express his inability to partake in the tribunal’s hearings scheduled for the upcoming week. In his correspondence, Pryde raised serious concerns regarding the fairness of the proceedings, arguing that he has been denied essential means to defend himself adequately.

He contended that moving forward with the hearing under these strained circumstances contradicts the President’s directive for the Tribunal to ensure justice and fairness. Furthermore, he pointed out that the current situation breaches conventions set forth by the International Labour Organisation, of which Fiji is a member state.

Pryde attributed the troubling circumstances leading to his current predicament to the acting Chief Justice, who chairs the Judicial Services Commission. He criticized the decision made by the JSC to suspend his salary and entitlements prior to the tribunal hearing, suggesting it reflects an interference in the Tribunal’s workings.

The former DPP also highlighted public comments from the Prime Minister supporting his call for the reinstatement of his salary, noting that such a perspective would resonate with any reasonable individual. Firm in his stance, Pryde reaffirmed that he will not be coerced by the JSC into resigning nor participate in the tribunal proceedings without the capability to present a robust defense.

Pryde underscored that it is a fundamental right to defend oneself in a tribunal setting, suggesting that the denial of such a right constitutes a breach of natural justice. He reiterated his request for the Tribunal to defer the proceedings until his salary suspension is addressed, stating that he is prepared to engage his legal counsel once his entitlements are resumed.

This situation highlights the importance of due process and the right to a fair hearing, which are essential tenets of justice. It underscores the broader implications of governance and legal procedures in maintaining public confidence in judicial systems. There is hope that these appeals will lead to a resolution that reinforces fairness and justice within the tribunal system.