War of words in Fiji over decision not to charge opposition leader

Fiji's Director of the Office of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has launched an astonishing rebuke to the country's police chief.

It follows the direction earlier this week for police not to pursue charges against the National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad, due to insufficient evidence.

Prasad had been accused of indecently annoying a woman on two separate occasions earlier this year.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho on Wednesday told Fiji media the decision could undermine the confidence of the public.

He accused the ODPP of allowing Prasad's lawyers to make representations, saying this wouldn't be extended to the ordinary people of Fiji.

But the Director of the Office of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, then accused the commissioner of a "petulant outburst", saying Qiliho appears not to understand the roles of the police and the ODPP.

Pryde said his office did not seek representations from Prasad's lawyers, but his lawyers wrote to the ODPP as is standard practice.

And he said it is not appropriate for the prosecutor to consult with the complainant as Qiliho suggested.

Pryde also said at no time was the evidence assessed with regard to politics or the status of the accused.