The sacking of two senior DPP officials

[posted 7 Dec 2010,1600]

Yet another summary dismissal of two senior lawyers from the DPP’s office raises serious concerns about the independence of that office.

The sackings yesterday of deputy DPP David Toganivalu and another lawyer Ana Tuiketei signal continuing instability at the DPP’s Office after acting DPP Aca Rayawa was sacked barely two months ago.

The upheaval began early in January when the regime sacked four prosecutors and three magistrates replacing John Rabuku with Aca Rayawa as DPP.

No reasons have been given for any of the sackings. In the case of David Toganivalu and Ana Tuiketei, letters of dismissal came from the Solicitor General.

What authority does the Solicitor General have over the staff of the Director of Public Prosecutions?

The arbitrary dismissals constitute a blatant disregard for the independence of the Office of the DPP, and compromise its integrity and credibility.

Jokapeci Koroi
President