4 Jul 2011

Marshall Islands cabinet minister to go on trial

12:53 pm on 4 July 2011

A Marshall Islands Cabinet Minister Kenneth Kedi will be facing a High Court trial on ten charges ranging from grand larceny to misconduct in office.

Mr Kedi has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include allegations he was improperly reimbursed for office furniture and that he cashed a cheque made out to a local government.

Judge James Plasman has ordered the trial, saying the government has presented sufficient evidence on all charges.

Mr Kedi, the minister for transportation and communications, is the first serving minister to be charged in the High Court.

A trial date is yet to be scheduled.