Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo has expressed concerns regarding suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, following a lengthy conversation he had with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, which lasted over 45 minutes. Temo indicated that this interaction, especially given Sayed-Khaiyum’s controversial status at the time, was unwise and could compromise Pryde’s position as the Chief Prosecutor.
During his testimony, Justice Temo noted the significant distrust that existed between the former and current sides of government, particularly in the early days of the Coalition Government. He highlighted that Prime Minister had publicly suggested that senior public officers who could not work with the new administration should resign, emphasizing the need for adherence to one’s official duties.
When pressed by the court regarding the specifics of the conversation between Pryde and Sayed-Khaiyum, Temo acknowledged the absence of direct content but pointed out that visual evidence—photographs of their meeting—implied a serious discussion.
Furthermore, in response to inquiries about procedural guidelines regarding such complaints, Temo confirmed there were no established protocols, although ethical standards and conflict of interest principles were expected to guide judicial conduct both in and out of court.
The Acting Chief Justice ultimately recommended to the President the establishment of a tribunal to investigate the matter, as discrepancies emerged in the accounts provided by the Attorney-General and the suspended DPP, indicating a potential breach of trust that could become detrimental to their working relationship.
The tribunal is currently examining allegations of misconduct related to Pryde, including reports that he was inappropriately compensated $1,000 monthly in superannuation, without authorization from relevant authorities.
As the trial proceeds, there remains hope that clarity and resolution can be reached, ensuring accountability and restoring trust within Fiji’s judicial system. This situation underscores the critical importance of ethical behavior within governmental offices, highlighting the complexities faced in the pursuit of justice.
Summary: Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo critiques suspended DPP Christopher Pryde for a lengthy conversation with controversial former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Temo calls for a tribunal to address discrepancies in their accounts, emphasizing the necessity of ethical standards in judicial conduct as the investigation into Pryde’s alleged misconduct continues.
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