Fiji's director of Public Prosecutions has slammed New Zealand travel advisories, saying he rejects the allegation that the Fijian government has some influence over the judiciary.
Christopher Pryde also says the decision to prosecute a former Fiji prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry was his alone.
Christopher Pryde, Fiji's Director of Public Prosecutions Photo: supplied
Amelia Langford reports.
"New Zealand's advisory warns travellers the Fiji government has a 'degree of influence over Fiji's judiciary'. But Mr Pryde told a gathering of New Zealand and Fiji business people the advisory had no basis in fact and should be ignored. He says other New Zealand Government travel advisories should also be treated with skepticism. Mr Pryde says there was no consultation outside his office over the decision to prosecute Mr Chaudhry, who has since been convicted and fined for fraud. Mr Chaudhry's lawyer has criticised Mr Pryde for speaking about his client's case, saying it is still before the courts. But Mr Pryde says that is not the case and Mr Chaudhry has yet to obtain leave for an appeal."
