The report addressing the case of suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, will be released to the public following a review by the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu. This process has been delayed due to certain officials being on holiday during the Christmas and New Year period. The report was submitted to the President on December 23, 2024.
Christopher Pryde has expressed a desire for the report to be made public, noting that according to Section 112(6) of the Constitution, the findings must be disclosed. He was suspended with full pay since April 13, 2023, after allegations of misbehaviour arose, primarily linked to his association with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. The constitutional protocol allows the President to act only after receiving the tribunal’s recommendations regarding Pryde’s conduct.
A tribunal composed of three judges, chaired by Justice Anare Tuilevuka, was established to investigate the allegations against Pryde. He highlighted that should the tribunal find insufficient evidence to support the allegations, the government should promptly lift his suspension and reinstate his salary and benefits. Pryde emphasized the urgency of resolving his situation, as it has been over 21 months since his suspension and nearly six months without pay.
While Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has refrained from commenting on the matter, the President’s office confirmed that despite the holiday delays, they acknowledge the necessity of making the report public in accordance with the constitutional mandate.
This situation raises important discussions about judicial transparency and the implications of prolonged suspensions on public officials. The eventual release of the report could provide clarity to the public and to Pryde himself, allowing for a resolution to this drawn-out case. Such transparency sustains public trust in the judicial system, providing hope for a fair outcome.
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