Fiji anti-corruption body drops charges against top prosecutor

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has dropped all charges against Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde. Senior Prosecutor Lani More filed an application for a "Nolle Prosequi," a legal term meaning the prosecution will not proceed with the case. Magistrate Yogesh Prasad accepted the application, discontinuing the proceedings.

Pryde had been facing multiple charges related to the alleged misuse of public funds. FICAC accused him of approving and receiving $138,445.05 in gratuity payments without proper authorization. He also allegedly claimed $47,053.03 in airfare reimbursements for his wife and child, despite them not residing with him in Fiji. Furthermore, he was accused of failing to return $7,828.56 refunded by an airline for unused tickets after he had already received reimbursement.

Alternative charges included causing a loss and obtaining a financial advantage. The prosecution cited that Pryde had successfully evaded service and was beyond FICAC's control as reasons for the dismissal. The case has now been closed.