“Serious consequences”: International concern over suspended Fiji prosecutor

The long delay in the Pryde case has serious implications for the rule of law, the Fiji Law Society said.
Photo: 123RF

The Bar Associations of Fiji and New Zealand have expressed concern about the Fijian government’s “undue delay” in handling the case against the suspended New Zealand prosecutor.

New Zealander Christopher Pryde, Attorney General of Fiji, has been suspended for nearly 15 months for alleged misconduct and is awaiting a hearing before the tribunal.

During his suspension, he continued to receive all contractual benefits until the Fiji Government decided this week to stop paying his salary.

On Thursday, he wrote to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, calling on the New Zealand government to intervene on his behalf.

Pryde wrote a five-page letter saying that “the action of the Government of Fiji to unilaterally stop my salary is aimed at depriving me of the opportunity to defend myself against the allegations against me.”

“If the Fijian government knows that the New Zealand government is observing the trial, it may feel an obligation to ensure that the rule of law is not ignored and that my right to self-defence is upheld,” he wrote.

Christopher Pryde, Fiji’s Attorney General
Photo: supplied

The Fiji Law Society (FLS) expressed “grave concern at the long and unreasonable delay” in the Judicial Services Commission (JSC)’s handling of the case, while the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS) called for “adherence to the rule of law”.

“We raised our concerns with the JSC in December last year and called for the establishment of a tribunal and expedited consideration of Mr. Pryde’s case,” FLS President Wylie Clark said by email.

“The long delay has serious implications for the rule of law and the administration of justice in Fiji as the DPP is an important public official and plays an important role in the administration of justice.”

NZLS President Frazer Barton said he was not aware of all the details of Pryde’s suspension or the conduct of the investigation.

“The Law Society is a strong supporter of the rule of law and promotes respect for and compliance with the fundamental obligations of the rule of law,” he said.

“One aspect of the rule of law is the ability to have meaningful access to independent bodies to resolve problems. Timely investigation and progress towards a solution are important aspects of this.”

Wylie Clark
Photo: Facebook / Fiji Law Society

Local media reports that Nancy Tikoisuva was appointed as the new acting DPP after President Wiliame Katonivere withdrew the appointment of former acting DPP John Rabuku.

Previously, the Supreme Court held that Rabuku – who was appointed in October 2023 – was not suitable for judicial appointment because he had been found guilty of “professional misconduct”.

“We consider the fact that Ms Tikoisuva is the third acting DPP appointed since Mr Pryde was suspended to be a highly unsatisfactory state of affairs,” Clark said.

A spokesman from Peters’ office confirmed receipt of the letter, but the minister had not yet seen it.

RNZ Pacific has contacted Prime Minister Rabuka’s office. We have not yet received a response.