Concern over DPP’s decision – Qiliho

COMMISSIONER of Police Brigadier Sitiveni Qiliho called an “urgent” news conference yesterday to express police’s concern over the Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde’s decision not to pursue criminal charges against National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad.

“We are very concerned about this decision of the DPP since it can undermine the confidence of the ordinary members of the public, in particular women and children, who are generally the victims of sexual impropriety, to report such matters,” Brig-Gen Qiliho said.

“We are also concerned about certain irregularities.

“As you and we have read in the

DPP’s public statement, he had sought representations by the lawyers of Prof Biman Prasad.

“I note with grave concern that the same courtesy of hearing from Mrs Ari Taniguchi was not extended to her.

“Mrs Taniguchi has confirmed that no one from the DPP’s office contacted her after we handed over the file to the DPP’s Office.

“The DPP’s office, however, contacted Prof Prasad through his lawyers.

“I also note with even more concern that an ordinary Rajesh or Pauliasi would not be given this opportunity by the DPP to have their lawyers make representations directly to the DPP’s Office.

“It would be extremely rare and in particular when it involves such allegations.

“In the recent past such like matters have been brought before the courts but no such prior representations have been sought from lawyers of accused persons.”

He said in this instance the DPP sought to seek representations from Prof Prasad through his lawyers but did not see it fit to speak to the victim.

“In the case of every other Fijian, lawyers make their case before the court but here we see a deviation.

“In fact in this case, the matter was not allowed to reach the judicial process and it would appear that despite evidence given by the complainant and corroborative evidence given by a witness, the DPP is arguably trying to usurp the powers of the court.

“Why was it different in this matter which involved Prof Prasad?

“We are of the view that the DPP’s decision deviated from the principle of assessing each case on its merits devoid of personality, social status or politics.

“We are also of the view that the matter was assessed from a political prism and not in the best interest of the victim or the public.

“As per the Constitution and the law, we can no longer proceed with the matter since the DPP has the final say in all criminal prosecutions.

“However, we will in the public interest and in particular to ensure we do not lose trust with members of the public, highlight in this media conference as to what the specific nature of the complaint was and the basis we had decided to lay charges,” he said.