Sentencing

Sentencing of former Vanuatu PM today

Justice Andre Wiltens found guilty last month Mr Salwai on perjury charges.

The maximum penalty of perjury charge is seven years.

The Supreme Court found Salwai had misled the court when he said the Council of Ministers had approved a decision to create parliamentary secretary positions.

The case was brought by then-opposition leader Ishmael Kalsakau in November 2019, who said the council had never approved it.

The appointment of parliamentary secretary was challenged by the president of the Republic of Vanuatu.

     

Man sentenced to death in Singapore via Zoom

Punithan Genasan, 37, received the sentence on Friday for his role in a drug deal that took place in 2011.

It marks the city's first case where such a ruling has been done remotely.

Human rights groups argued that pursuing the death penalty at a time when the world is being gripped by a pandemic was "abhorrent".

The vast majority of court hearings in Singapore have been adjourned until at least 1 June, when the city's current lockdown period is due to end.

Cases which have been deemed to be essential are being held remotely.

Vanuatu deputy PM pleads guilty to conspiracy charge

Mr Natuman was accused of trying to stop a police team from investigating high-ranking officers when he was prime minister in 2014.

Sentencing is on 16 March.