Vanuatu's Prime Minister Sato Kilman has questioned the country's justice system after the jailing of a quarter of the government MPs last week.
In his first public statement since the MPs were convicted earlier this month he has asked whether justice is being done for everybody.
The statement which was attributed to the Office of the Prime Minister alleges cover-ups and interference by former leaders in cases ranging from an alleged rape, a fatal car accident and mutiny in the police and mobile force.
Mr Kilman's office has also alleged some opposition members have admitted receiving bribes but have never been investigated.
The statement stresses the convicted MPs were given 14 days to appeal and says they are still Members of Parliament.