Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has dismissed claims that his conversation with suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde was connected to the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) against him.
During the initial day of Pryde’s tribunal hearing at the Court of Appeal in Suva, Sayed-Khaiyum clarified that their discussion was primarily about personal matters, specifically concerning their children, Emma Pryde and Ibrahim Sayed-Khaiyum. This dialogue took place on February 28, 2023, when Sayed-Khaiyum was photographed with Pryde at a diplomatic event, amid an investigation focused on him, with the case files already submitted to the Office of the DPP.
Pryde has been suspended with full pay pending the tribunal’s decision following allegations of “misbehaviour” levelled against him by the then-President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in April 2023. He has stated he will not attend the tribunal unless his salary is reinstated.
As Sayed-Khaiyum took the stand, he referred to interactions with other individuals present at the event, including the United States and Japanese Ambassadors, and asserted that the photo presented as evidence unfairly suggested he was only conversing with Pryde. He could not recall the specifics of their conversation duration but emphatically stated that no discussions pertaining to his case occurred.
The tribunal raised allegations concerning Pryde’s superannuation payment, which amounts to $1000 per month, executed without prior approval from the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) or other necessary offices. Sayed-Khaiyum maintained that this is a matter for the JSC to assess and mentioned his limited involvement in such payments.
In further testimony, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga described the interaction between Sayed-Khaiyum and Pryde as “unbecoming and unethical,” noting they were isolated from other guests during the event. He argued that given the simultaneous investigation into Sayed-Khaiyum’s conduct, their discussion was inappropriate. Turaga recounted Pryde’s subsequent acknowledgment of poor judgment regarding the conversation after he was summoned, which led to an apology letter directed to Turaga.
This high-profile tribunal hearing remains ongoing, with new developments expected as the case continues.
This incident sheds light on the complexities of conduct within judicial frameworks and the importance of transparency. As the hearing progresses, both accountability and professional ethics in public service are likely to be focal points, potentially leading to reforms or reaffirmations of standards in governance. While the process may appear challenging, it emphasizes a commitment to justice and integrity in the legal system.
In summary, the tribunal hearing brings attention to significant ethical considerations involving public officials, underscoring the need for accountability and clarity in their roles amidst ongoing investigations.
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