Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has clarified that his discussion with suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde was not related to the ongoing investigation against him by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). During the initial day of Pryde’s tribunal hearing at the Court of Appeal in Suva, Sayed-Khaiyum detailed that their conversation focused on personal matters concerning their families, particularly their children.
On February 28, 2023, Sayed-Khaiyum and Pryde were photographed chatting at a diplomatic event while the CID investigation into Sayed-Khaiyum was active, with the case file already submitted to the DPP’s office. Pryde has been suspended with pay pending a tribunal, after being accused of misbehavior in April 2023, and has stated he will not participate in the tribunal unless his salary is reinstated.
Sayed-Khaiyum explained that he had spoken with several officials that evening, including ambassadors and members of Parliament, and remarked that the photo showing him with Pryde was taken out of context by Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga to imply exclusivity in their conversation. He declined to estimate the duration of their discussion and asserted that they did not discuss the case at hand.
When questioned about a separate allegation concerning a US$1,000 monthly superannuation payment to Pryde without consent from the Judicial Services Commission, Sayed-Khaiyum maintained it was a matter for the JSC and stated he had a limited role in remuneration decisions, as such processes should follow constitutional protocols.
In his testimony, Minister Turaga described the exchange between Sayed-Khaiyum and Pryde as “unbecoming and unethical,” citing the ongoing investigation into Sayed-Khaiyum as the basis for his objection to the lengthy private conversation.
Pryde later acknowledged his error in judgment and formally apologized to Turaga, which led to ministerial notifications and filing of a formal complaint with the JSC due to concerns about the propriety of their interactions.
The tribunal proceedings have been temporarily adjourned, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the complexities involved in legal and ethical accountability within the justice system.
This development reflects the ongoing scrutiny within Fiji’s legal and political framework, emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency in governance. As this case unfolds, it can serve as a reminder of the necessity for clear boundaries and ethical conduct among those in positions of authority, ultimately working toward a more accountable justice system.
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