Fiji’s DPP Rejects Suspension of Pay as Unconstitutional

The standoff between Fiji’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde and the country’s leadership has deepened, with Pryde rejecting the suspension of his salary and benefits as unlawful and politically motivated.

President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu suspended Pryde’s pay on 25 July 2025, acting on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and after consulting the Acting Attorney-General. The President’s letter said Pryde had failed to meet a key condition of his reinstatement by not resuming duties, despite being on full pay.

Pryde, currently in New Zealand, has hit back in a strongly worded letter to the President. He said there is “no constitutional basis” for suspending his pay and cited Section 117(5) of the Constitution, which states the salary of the DPP “must not be varied to his or her disadvantage.”

He accused the JSC of failing to act on complaints against him, saying, “It is the failure of the JSC to act on the complaints that is the sole reason for my inability to resume duties.” Pryde said the complaints should either be dismissed or referred to a tribunal for a formal hearing, but “to date, the JSC has done neither.”

The dispute follows a January tribunal that cleared Pryde of earlier allegations and reinstated him. However, the JSC later referred fresh matters to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), which has since charged Pryde and is seeking his extradition.

Pryde claims the timing of the charges and suspension is an attempt to pressure him to resign, calling it “unconstitutional” and a breach of natural justice.

The President’s Office has not issued further comment, and FICAC has said the matter is before the courts.