Vanuatu conspiracy retrial moves to Feb 2018

A new date has been set for the retrial of the conspiracy case involving 11 former Members of  Vanuatu Parliament who were alleged to have been pardoned by the then Acting Head of State, along with a lawyer.

All 12 defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to defeat the course of justice, contrary to Section 79(a) of the Penal Code.

Public Prosecutor, Josaia Naigulevu, informed Daily Post that the trial was initially set for February 12, 2018.

However, the Registrar has assigned that the week beginning February 12 for a special session of the Court of Appeal, thus the date that was early fixed for the re-hearing of this case has been vacated and the new trial date is February 26, 2018.

The trial judge has assigned two weeks for the trial.

Currently,Less Napuati is representing Silas Yatan and Marcellino Pipite is represented by Christina Thyna.

The representation of other accused are not known at this time.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST/PACNEWS