During the tribunal hearing for suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde, Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh testified, noting that he was also unaware of the details of the conversation between Pryde and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Singh presented a photograph to Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, which featured a third individual conversing with Pryde and Sayed-Khaiyum at a formal event hosted by the Japanese embassy.
When asked by Justice Anare Tuilevuka about the identity of this third person, Singh admitted he did not know who they were, stating the photo was taken by embassy staff. Singh observed the two men speaking from approximately five meters away and estimated their discussion lasted over 30 minutes. He characterized the nature of their conversation as serious, noting that they appeared neither jovial nor relaxed at the gathering.
Additionally, Singh recounted that lawyer Hemendra Nagan expressed concerns about the appropriateness of a DPP conversing with Sayed-Khaiyum, who was under investigation at that time.
The tribunal is set to hear from Acting Chief Justice, Justice Salesi Temo, shortly as the trial progresses.
This testimony underscores the complexities surrounding the ongoing investigation and highlights the importance of transparency in governance. There is hope that this tribunal may lead to greater accountability within the political landscape, promoting more ethical conduct among public officials.
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