7 Sep 2015

Vanuatu bribery hearing delay

3:03 pm on 7 September 2015

The trial of 16 Vanuatu MPs on bribery charges being heard in the Supreme Court in Port Vila has been adjourned until this afternoon.

The public prosecution office had asked for the adjournment.

This comes as the police investigate a break in at the office over the weekend.

Sixteen MPs, including four cabinet ministers, are facing accusations under both the penal code and the Leadership Code.

Last week the Minister of Finance, Willie Jimmy, pleaded guilty with the remainder, including acting prime minister Moana Carcasses, choosing to go to trial.

The MPs are accused of having accepted bribes offered to secure their support for a vote of no confidence last year.

Vanuatu opposition leader Moana Carcasses

Moana Carcasses. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

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