The Director of Public Prosecutions Office has alleged that its lawyers were threatened with arrest and criminal charges and the independence of the DPP's Office has been interfered with.

In a statement issued this afternoon, The DPP's Office claims that there was inappropriate or unwarranted interference in the working of the Office of the DPP by Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Nasir Ali and his team of investigators.

It is stated, that threats of arrest and criminal charges for attempting to pervert the cause of justice were leveled against the lawyers in the DPP's Office earlier this week.

The DPP states that they view these threats as serious and a direct attack on the independence of the Office of the DPP and cautions those involved.

The statement said Police Force and its investigators should continue to use established legal procedures and those that do not use these dully established procedures would find out that the whole exercise was futile.

The DPP's Office said its independence ensures that criminal prosecutions are free from any improper influence or interference and a decision to prosecute or not to prosecute must be based on the evidence.

The statements said the Office of the DPP will jealously guard its independence without fear or favour and those who violate the independence of the DPP's Office will be dealt with according to law.

It was earlier confirmed by the DPP Josaia Naigulevu and his Assistant Asishna Prasad that they did not receive any such threats.

When contacted about the DPP's statement in the last hour, Police Commissioner Commodore Esala Teleni said he is surprised with the statement as the police have always had a good relationship with the DPP.

He said they will always follow the proper legal procedures and seek professional legal advise when needed. He said there were no threats made.