Vanuatu Supreme Court to rule on Leadership Code Act

The Supreme Court of Vanuatu will determine on 27 August, whether the Leadership Code Act can be used to prosecute the MP and a prominent local businessman implicated in what is known as the 'bribery' case.

Justice Mery Sey issued these directions Tuesday when the appellant and defendants to the case sat with their lawyers at the first conference since the case was referred to the Supreme Court.

Among the directives, Justice Sey warned the defendants, most of whom are MP and state ministers that they need to be present in the court room when the case is called.

The Supreme Court judge also conditioned the defendants not to travel abroad while the case is in court.

The Public Prosecution John William Timakata told the court the prosecution will produce 48 witnesses.

Justice Sey says the case will convene on 02 September for two weeks and both parties need to respect the date and time of the hearing, adding the court will not hesitate to issue a warrant of arrest should anyone not respect these orders.
Source:
PACNEWS