Prominent Fijian lawyer hit with interim suspension

Proceedings currently before the New Zealand regulator have led to the order

Prominent Fijian lawyer hit with interim suspension

The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal has ordered the interim suspension of Dr Muhammad Shamsud-Dean Sahu Khan’s legal practice in the country.

The tribunal handed down the order, which took effect immediately, on 15 October, the New Zealand Law Society said. The tribunal is yet to reveal why the order, which is related to proceedings currently before it, was made.

Sahu Khan is a prominent figure in the Fijian community. He holds LLB, LLM, and PhD degrees from Auckland University and has practiced for more than 40 years.

In 2011, he was struck off the roll of legal practitioners by the Independent Legal Services Commission in Fiji after being found guilty of misconduct. He vehemently denied the allegations, saying he had been targeted because of his political views.

In 2014, The New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal ruled that he be allowed to practice as a barrister in the country. The Law Society initially balked at issuing a practising certificate to the lawyer.

Sahu Khan was the president of the Fiji Law Society from 1983 to 1987. He was also the deputy chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee.