12 Jun 2014

Trial ordered for alleged Vanuatu gang rape

8:47 am on 12 June 2014

A trial has been called in Vanuatu for the case of six men from Tanna who are accused of gang raping a woman last month.

The Vanuatu Independent reports that the group, ranging in ages from 16 to 27, were granted bail after pleading not guilty in court in Port Vila, but were given seven days to find their own way back to Tanna.

In opposing the bail application, public prosecutor Leon Manlantugun said two of the accused confessed to the crime but later denied the rape in court.

The victim and her chief also filed letters asking for the case to be withdrawn, but they will not be heard until the trial.