The long delay in Pryde's case has serious implications for the rule of law, the Fiji Law Society said. Photo: 123RF
The Fiji and the New Zealand law societies are have expressed concerns of "unreasonable delay" by the Fijian government in dealing with its suspended Kiwi public prosecutor's case.
New Zealander Christopher Pryde, Fiji's director of public prosecutions, has been suspended for almost 15 months for alleged misconduct, awaiting a Tribunal hearing.
He continued to receive all contractual entitlements while he was suspended, until a decision was made by the Fiji government to stop paying his salary this week.
On Thursday, he wrote to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, the NZ government to intervene on his behalf.
Pryde wrote a five-page letter, in which he said the "action by the Fiji government in unilaterally ceasing my salary is designed...to deny me the opportunity to defend the allegations against me".
"If the Fijian government is aware that the New Zealand government is observing the process, it may feel obliged to ensure the rule of law is not ignored and that my right to defend myself is upheld," he wrote.
Christopher Pryde, Fiji's Director of Public Prosecutions Photo: supplied
The Fiji Law Society (FLS) said it was "very concerned about the long and unreasonable delay" by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) in dealing with the matter, while the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS) is encouraging "compliance...of the rule of law".
"We had expressed our concerns about this to the JSC in December of last year and called for a tribunal to be appointed and Mr Pryde's case dealt with quickly," FLS president Wylie Clark said via email.
"The long delay has serious implications for the rule of law and administration of justice in Fiji because the DPP is an important officer of the state and has an important role in the administration of justice."
NZLS president Frazer Barton said it is not aware of the full details surrounding Pryde's suspension or the conduct of the investigation.
"The Law Society is a strong supporter of the rule of law and encourages 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 for there to be meaningful access to independent bodies for the resolution of issues. Timely investigation and progression towards resolution is an important aspect of this."
Wylie Clark Photo: Facebook / Fiji Law Society
Local media are reporting that Nancy Tikoisuva has been appointed as the new acting DPP, after former acting DPP John Rabuku's appointment was withdrawn by President Wiliame Katonivere.
This is following a Supreme Court opinion that Rabuku - who was appointed in October 2023 - that his was not eligible for judicial appointment because he was found guilty of "professional misconduct".
"We consider the fact that Ms Tikoisuva is the third acting DPP to be appointed since Mr Pryde's suspension to be a highly unsatisfactory state of affairs," Clark said.
A spokesperson from Peters' office has confirmed that they have received the letter, but it has not been viewed by the Minister yet.
RNZ Pacific has contacted Prime Minister Rabuka's office. We are yet to receive a response.
