Independence of the ODPP is an ongoing issue but reforms underway - Turaga

Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga says the independence of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the demand of the job, the competing priorities and the striking work-life harmony is an ongoing issue.

While delivering his ministerial statement on the work of the ODPP, Turaga say the strategic planning of the Office has resulted in a new purpose instead of vision.

He says from trying to secure conviction, a practice common under the former suspended DPP, prosecutors now prosecute the case dispassionately and fairly, even if the outcome is against them.

Turaga says all officers now benefit from international, and locally specialized training, where they have never received it before as only a selected few have been attending many years under the past administration.

He says prior to 2023, there was no succession planning and no strategic direction.

Turaga further says fair and effective prosecution is essential for the maintenance of law and order and every case should be decided on individual merits.

The Minister says however, the decision-making process should apply in all cases and every prosecutor has the duty to ensure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offence, and that the court is given all the relevant evidence in each case.

While responding to Turaga’s statement, Opposition Shadow Minister for Justice Ketan Lal says it is troubling that in recent times, the integrity of our institutions seems to be under strain.

The Opposition MP says even the hint of selective prosecutions, political influence, or even the slightest hint of impropriety will have far-reaching consequences.

Lal adds if the government is truly committed to justice, it must prioritize the protection of institutional independence and integrity above all else.

While commending the work of the ODPP and Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva, Opposition Group of 9 MP Ratu Josaia Niudamu says an advantage of having a local DPP as they will understand better our jurisdiction rather than bringing in a expatriate who isn’t aware of what is going on in our country.

He says he is glad that the ODPP has 42 prosecutors and believes the government will hire more to increase it to 50 or even 70 prosecutors

Niudamu adds two prosecutors mending the Nasinu office alone is not enough.