Vanuatu's former Speaker of Parliament acquitted of criminal charges

Vanuatu's former Speaker of Parliament, Simeon Seule, has been acquitted of criminal charges including damage to property and attempted kidnapping in a case that goes back to 2016.

According to the Vanuatu Daily Post, the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Seule was guilty of charges relating to an incident involving Fredeline Tanarango in a Hotel Santo room.

Mr Seule was the MP for the Efate outer islands.

Despite the legal clearance, there has been no confirmation yet if he intends or will be able to contest the 2020 general election.