Fiji’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde has delayed his return to the country for a second time due to concerns about the possibility of another sudden suspension upon his arrival
Pryde was initially suspended in April 2023 following allegations against him, but after a tribunal cleared him of any wrongdoing early this year, he was set to resume his duties on Monday, 20th January 2025. However, just before his scheduled return, then-acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva filed new allegations against him, prompting the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) to grant him 14 days of leave to respond. His return was then pushed to Monday, 3rd February.
With no response from the JSC to his latest correspondence, Pryde has requested another extension, citing the risk of being suspended again upon his return.
“On Friday, 31st January 2025, I again wrote to the Honourable Chief Justice, noting that I had still not received any response from the JSC to my letter of 23rd January 2025, nor any decision on whether it intends to advise His Excellency, the President, to suspend me yet again,” Pryde said in a media statement.
“As I had heard nothing from the JSC, I requested a further extension of my leave until such time as the JSC reaches a decision.
“I informed the Honourable Chief Justice that I am reluctant to return to Fiji and resume my position if the JSC were to decide, upon my return, to suspend me once more, cut off my salary, and leave me waiting for another 21 months. I do not think anyone could be expected to resume duties under such difficult and challenging circumstances, with the threat of suspension hanging over them like the sword of Damocles.”
Pryde has urged the JSC to dismiss the complaint, describing it as “misconceived, baseless, and trivial,” and a malicious attempt to discredit him and other members of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
In the meantime, Pryde has delegated his duties to Assistant DPP Pauline Madanavosa.
Related Articles:
Pryde To Resume Fiji DPP Duties Next Week
Fiji’s Reinstated DPP Denies Wrongdoing, Questions FICAC Complaint Timing
Fiji ODPP Files Complaint Against Reinstated DPP Christopher Pryde
