A war of words has ensued between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Fiji Law Society in reaction to a media statement issued by the ODPP earlier this week that it had lodged a complaint of abuse of office against the DPP Christopher Pryde.
The Fiji Law Society questioned the move taken by officials at the ODPP in lodging a complaint against the reinstated DPP.
The Society says it has no comment on the substance of the complaint at this stage, and that the complaint must be duly investigated, but asserts that it is “highly unusual for a body such as the ODPP to make an official statement about a complaintof this kind, attributing comments to the Acting DPP.”
Fiji Law Society President Wylie Clarke said the release of a statement alleging wrongdoing “creates the danger of prejudicing that person’s right to a fair trial, particularly if the allegations attract media publicity. It also breaches a person’s right to privacy.”
“The ODPP statement names Mr Pryde and sets out in detail matters alleged against him. These are
allegations only and an investigation has just begun. It is possible that no charges will be laid.”
In response to the FLS statement, the ODPP said the Society has not sought to understand the media statement it issued.
“Media statements on complaints received or update on cases from the ODPP are not rare or unusual. We respect a person’s right to privacy and have exercised every care in the
preservation of the information related to the complaints against Mr Pryde.”
“On 14th January 2025, Mr Christopher Pryde was advised by the Acting DPP Ms Nancy Tikoisuva directly on the complaint filed at FICAC, as a matter of courtesy. Mr Pryde had chosen to
respond and copied various government leaders and the Fiji Law Society in his response.”
The ODPP said it was necessary to provide a media statement to provide clarity on the situation.
The Fiji Law Society states that the statement and actions by the ODPP is not a good look for the high office.
“A cornerstone of our criminal justice system and rule of law is the protection of an individual’s right not to be identified and the allegations against him or her kept confidential until produced in court to face criminal charges.”
The FLS also pointed to actions by senior prosecutors as concerning and undermining confidence in the ODDP as a key part of our criminal justice system.
“That confidence is further eroded when a senior prosecutor in the ODPP posts a comment on social media suggesting that the outcome of the FICAC investigation is a foregone conclusion and that Mr. Pryde will be charged.”
“The public is entitled to high standards of behaviour from those entrusted with important legal and investigative functions and it is part of the Society’s legal responsibilities to advocate for those standards to be met.”
Reacting to this, the ODPP assured that it will respect due process with regards to the FICAC investigation and that Mr Pryde has his Constitutional protection on the right of presumption of innocence, that is accorded to every person in Fiji.
“We remain committed to the rule of law and the integrity of his office, including our public duty to report on matters that may be criminal. We also respect the decision of the Tribunal and His Excellency the President.”
