court case

Former Vanuatu PM to stand trial in November

Salwai is facing 10 counts of bribery and corruption under the Leadership Code, and a separate charge of perjury.

The former minister of agriculture and a current Luganville MP, Matai Seremaiha, the former minister of health, Jerome Ludvaune and former MP Tom Korr are also facing bribery and corruption charges.

The case was filed following complaints by the former leader of the opposition and now deputy prime minister, Ishmael Kalsakau.

Former Vanuatu PM confident of beating corruption charges

The court of Wednesday committed Mr Salwai, two former ministers and a former MP to stand trial next month.

Daniel Yawah said Wednesday's decision was not a surprise.

All were facing corruption and bribery charges while Mr Salwai had also been charged with perjury.

The charges stem from a complaint by former opposition leader and now deputy prime minister, Ishmael Kalsakau.

Kalsakau claimed that in November 2016, the defendants bribed MPs to sign an ultimately failed motion of no confidence.

But Yawah was confident they would beat the charges.

Political bribery case to begin in Vanuatu court

Mr Salwai will appear in court alongside the former Minister of Agriculture, Matai Seremaia, the former Minister of Health, Jerome Ludvaune and the former Speaker of Parliament and current Minister of Education, Seule Simeon.

Former Tafea outer island MP, Tom Korr, is also due to appear.

The five suspects are accused of bribery during the last government's tenure by offering ministerial portfolios, which led to several failed motions of no confidence.

Four plead guilty for Vanuatu theatre director attack

Peter Walker and two friends were assaulted outside his Port Vila property nearly a year ago.

Samuel Bule and Andrew Imaleng have pleaded guilty to international assault, criminal trespass and theft.

Two minors also pleaded guilty to the same charges.

The Daily Post reports they'll be sentenced in the Supreme Court next month.

     

Fainu court case delayed until May 13

The Manly Sea Eagles hooker was charged with three offences after allegedly stabbing a man during a brawl at a Mormon church function in late October last year.

Fainu, 21, pleaded not guilty to a number of charges including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, recklessly causing grievous bodily harm in company and affray.

Kaniva News reports the most serious charge – intent to cause grievous bodily harm – carries a maximum sentence of 25 years

Intrigue and legal strategy on eve of Israel Folau's court case with Rugby Australia

On the same day that the former Wallaby's Instagram and Twitter pagesdisappeared for up to four hours, Folau's former employer filed an application in the Federal Circuit Court to have the high profile case moved.

The organisation was not immediately available for comment, but the development could be interpreted as a legal strategy to slow proceedings.

As the "little sister" to the Federal Court, the Federal Circuit Court has a track record of moving cases through quicker than its federally-based siblings and at a lower cost.

Vanuatu Acting PM: Government has not violated Constitution

He made the comment after the Supreme Court dismissed the Opposition’s case challenging the appointments of Parliamentary Secretaries (PS).

Mr. Emelee said the Government has remained silent over a long period of time putting its trust in the justice system and today the justice system has ruled that the Government has not breached the Constitution by the appointments of PS.

He said the court ruling is great news for the current coalition Government.

Campaign continues after Rabuka found not guilty

Supporters cheered the SODELPA leader, former prime minister and 1987 coup leader Mr Rabuka as he emerged from the Suva Magistrates Court late this morning.

Mr Rabuka was charged by Fiji's Independent Commission Against Corruption under Fiji's political party regulations - for providing a false declaration of his assets, income and liabilities.

If convicted, he would have been out of the running for the 14 November polls.

Former Vanuatu MPs granted bail

Sebastien Harry, Paul Telukluk, Arnold Prasad and Jean-Yves Chabod were jailed in August for perverting the course of justice.

The men were found guilty in the Supreme Court as part of a conspiracy to obtain pardons in 2015 for bribery and corruption.

The Vanuatu Daily Post reports their appeal case will be heard on October 9.

     

Vanuatu airport cleaners win compensation

Justice Oliver Saksak says the company has the power to dismiss a member of staff for serious misconduct, only if there is no other course to take.

He ruled that Jacklyne Sese, who had worked for the company for 16 years, and Susan Noel, who had worked for nine years, had not been treated fairly.

Tehy were awarded about $US11,000 and $US6,000 respectively.

The ruling was welcomed by other cleaners who told the Daily Post newspaper that it proved the law was applicable at all levels of society.