‘Serious impact’: Fiji’s Attorney General’s suspension sparks international concern

The Fiji Law Society said the long delays in Pride’s case had serious implications for the rule of law.
photo: 123 RF

The Fiji and New Zealand Law Societies have expressed concern about the Fijian Government’s “unreasonable delay” in dealing with the case of its suspended New Zealand prosecutor.

Christopher Pride, New Zealander, Attorney General of Fiji, Suspended for nearly 15 months Awaiting court hearing for alleged misconduct.

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

On Thursday, he wrote to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. New Zealand government to intervene In his name.

Pride wrote a five-page letter in which he said the “unilateral suspension of my salary by the Fijian government was intended to … deprive me of the opportunity to defend myself against the charges against me”.

“Had the Fijian government known that the New Zealand government was observing this process, it might have felt obliged to ensure that the rule of law was not ignored and to uphold my right to self-defence,” he wrote.

Fiji Attorney General Christopher Pride
photo: supply

The Fiji Law Society (FLS) said it was deeply concerned about the “long and unjustifiable delay” in the matter being dealt with by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), while the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS) encouraged “adherence to the rule of law”.

“We expressed our concerns to the JSC last December and called for a tribunal to be appointed to deal expeditiously with Mr. Pryde’s case,” FLS President Wylie Clark said via email.

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

NZLS chairman Frazer Barton said it was unclear what the details of Pryde’s suspension and investigation would be.

“The Bar is a staunch supporter of the rule of law and encourages the fundamental obligation to respect and adhere to the rule of law,” he said.

“One aspect of the rule of law is the ability to effectively resolve issues through independent bodies. Timely investigations and progress in resolving issues are an important aspect of that.”

Wylie Clark
photo: Facebook/Fiji Law Society

According to local media reports, President William Katoniwere withdrew the appointment of the former acting DPP John Rabuku and subsequently appointed Nancy Tikoisuva as the new acting DPP.

Earlier, the Supreme Court held that Rabuku (appointed in October 2023) was ineligible for judicial appointment as he was found guilty of “professional misconduct”.

“Ms Ti Kosuwa is the third acting deputy attorney general appointed since Mr Pride’s suspension, which we consider to be a highly unsatisfactory situation,” Clark said.

A spokesperson for Peters’ office confirmed they had received the letter but the minister had not yet viewed it.

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