The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions says they will address the allegations made by former staff, Susana Vuniani, in a Statutory Declaration, which they understand was made in Australia with the relevant Australian authorities.
In her Statutory Declaration, Vuniani alleges that she was present during the meeting where it was discussed and decided that the file in relation to Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner would be closed as the individuals named were high profile civil servants, senior members of the legal fraternity, and included persons within the Judiciary and ODPP leadership.
Vuniani alleges that it was stated that proceeding with charges could cause embarrassment and conflict and these were also the directives of Chief Justice Salesi Temo, under whose constitutional authority the ODPP falls.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News, they say that with respect to the COI files, that while considering the evidence, they took into account several critical factors, including the sufficiency of evidence to meet the criminal standard of proof, reasonable prospects of conviction, public interest considerations, statutory limitation periods, applicable immunity provisions, and the distinction between criminal and civil liability.
They say after having carefully considered the initial assessments and being guided by the independent review and recommendations of Kings Counsel Ian Lloyd, the ODPP concluded that there was insufficient evidence to sustain any criminal charges to the required criminal standard of proof in respect of the files assessed
The ODPP further says they are particularly concerned with the false statements that has been declared by Vuniani regarding her employment status.
They say Vuniani resigned from the ODPP on 4th May this year while she was in Australia on a tourist visa without providing proper notice in line with her employment contract.
The ODPP says in particular, at the time she executed the Statutory Declaration on 24th June 2026, she had already resigned and was no longer employed by the ODPP contrary to paragraphs 3 and 19 of the Statutory Declaration.
They say there are material inconsistencies in her Statutory Declaration that they will refer to the Australian authorities for their consideration.
The ODPP adds they do not make unilateral decisions on prosecution files.
Questions have been sent to the Office of the Chief Justice.
Questions have been sent to the Office of the Chief Justice.
