26 Jun 2020

Temaru wants cash seizure order annulled

9:33 am on 26 June 2020

French Polynesia's pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru has met judicial authorities in Papeete to challenge the seizure of $US100,000 from his bank account.

French Polynesia leader Oscar Temaru.

French Polynesia leader Oscar Temaru. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

A judge had issued an order supporting the action of the prosecutor Herve Leroy who seized the funds, purportedly to prevent their disbursement by Mr Temaru.

The money was taken during an investigation into alleged abuse of public funds by the municipal council chaired by Mr Temaru.

Mr Temaru's lawyer turned to the authorities to get them to annul the judge's order, pointing out that the money was taken without any charge or conviction.

A ruling on the validity of the judge's action is expected on 7 July.