Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has clarified details regarding his conversation with Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, asserting that their discussion was strictly personal and not related to any ongoing investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
During his court testimony, Sayed-Khaiyum emphasized that the dialogue centered around their families, specifically their children—Pryde’s daughter Emma and his own son Ibrahim. He argued that the portrayal of their interaction as isolated was misleading, explaining that the context of the gathering included several other officials, such as the U.S. and Japanese Ambassadors, and various Members of Parliament. He noted that the photograph presented as evidence by Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga was a close-up that failed to depict the broader context of the event.
Sayed-Khaiyum defended the length and nature of the conversation, stating it was more than a simple greeting, as both he and Pryde were engaged in discussions with other guests at the event. He strongly denied any allegations suggesting that they spoke about his case, expressing offense at the implications and asserting their commitment to ethical conduct.
Addressing further allegations concerning the payment of superannuation to Pryde, Sayed-Khaiyum mentioned that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC). He stated that the JSC manages the compensation for the DPP, typically in consultation with his office and ultimately decreed by the Office of the President. Sayed-Khaiyum claimed limited knowledge of specific payments to all constitutional office holders.
Interestingly, he highlighted a case of alleged misconduct where the Minister for Justice was seen socializing with individuals under investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). He revealed that he had previously lodged a complaint with FICAC regarding staff conduct related to alleged misuse of authority, which is currently under investigation.
The tribunal overseeing this matter is deliberating on the potential misbehavior leading to a recommendation for the dismissal of Pryde as DPP. Among the important points is that Pryde had been spotted conversing with Sayed-Khaiyum for over 45 minutes during a time when the CID was scrutinizing Sayed-Khaiyum.
The case has been set before Justices Anare Tuilevuka, Samuela Qica, and Chaitanya Lakshman and is scheduled to continue tomorrow at 10 AM.
This situation underscores the complexities of the legal and judicial framework, shedding light on potential conflicts of interest and ethical considerations surrounding high-profile public figures. It remains crucial for transparency and adherence to institutional protocols to restore public trust in the governance and legal systems.
In conclusion, while the atmosphere surrounding these events may seem grim, it is essential to recognize the ongoing investigations and the mechanisms in place to address misconduct. This illustrates the commitment to accountability, which can ultimately lead to a more robust and trustworthy legal framework.
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