Former Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde has rejected the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption’s claim that he evaded service of court documents, following the discontinuance of the criminal case against him.
In a statement issued after FICAC filed a nolle prosequi in the Magistrates’ Court, Pryde said he had been informed that the charges against him had been dropped and media reports had confirmed the development.
He disputed FICAC’s explanation that the case was discontinued because he was overseas and could not be served.
“This is untrue. FICAC and the Fijian government had my home address and have had multiple opportunities over the past year to serve me.”
Pryde alleged that staff from the Fiji High Commission in Wellington had visited his home and questioned his neighbours about his whereabouts while he was attending his mother’s funeral. He also claimed the Prime Minister had been informed of the incident.
He further said a process server had visited his home without identifying himself.
He also said that an appointment he had made to swear documents not related to this case at the Fiji Embassy in Tokyo was cancelled at short notice.
“Therefore, the claim by FICAC that I have evaded service is false.”
Pryde also denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the payments at the centre of the charges were administrative decisions involving the Judicial Services Commission and other senior officials.
“FICAC and the Attorney-General’s Office did nothing to expedite the matter until this morning when the charges were dropped, three years after the plan to remove me was first hatched by the current government.”
Despite his criticism of the handling of the matter, Pryde thanked Fijians for their support and reflected positively on his years of service.
“These Fijians are hard-working, highly competent, and unquestionably ethical. They represent the best Fiji has to offer.”
Pryde served as Fiji’s Director of Public Prosecutions for 18 years before leaving the civil service earlier this year.
