Vanuatu lawyers given immunity
The conspiracy case was filed against 11 of the convicted politicians and three lawyers after Pipite pardoned himself and 13 of his colleagues in his capacity as Acting President while the President was overseas.
A source close to the prosecution confirmed that two of the lawyers, namely Robin Kapapa and Gregory Takau, are likely to be given immunity because of the statements they provided to help the prosecution’s case.
Kapapa and Takau, each of whom represented some of the convicted politicians, were arrested along with their clients after the Head of State, Baldwin Lonsdale revoked Pipite’s pardon order.
The order was subsequently declared unlawful by the Supreme Court Judge, Oliver Saksak, and his decision was upheld on appeal.
It is understood the two lawyers will be the prosecution’s main witnesses.
They were seen leaving the Magistrate Court earlier while the convicted politicians were still waiting inside.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday 22 December.
The case files have reportedly been received by the presiding Magistrate judge, who requires more time to read through before the case commences next week.
Kapapa had been chosen as interim President of the Vanuatu Republican Party, or VRP. Marcellino Pipite was the previous VRP President.
Meanwhile, the magistrate court in Vanuatu has convicted the acting police commissioner, John Taleo, for dangerous driving.
Taleo was involved in two serious accidents with police trucks.
Taleo will receive his sentence on 15 January.
Under the Police Act, after his sentencing the Police Service Commission will meet to decide whether to terminate his employment or demote him.
After his latest accident in Port Vila this year, he was suspended but the acting Prime Minister, Moana Carcasses, re-instated him in October to replace Vake Rakau who was the acting commissioner.
SOURCE:VANUATU DAILY POST
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