25 Nov 2020

Govt ministers to take stand in trial of former Vanuatu PM

10:53 am on 25 November 2020

Six Vanuatu government ministers, including the Prime Minister Bob Loughman, are due to appear as witnesses at the trial of former prime minister Charlot Salwai today.

Vanuatu's prime minister Charlot Salwai in New Zealand

Former Vanuatu PM, Charlot Salwai Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Johnny Blades

The Speaker of Parliament, Gracia Shadrak is also due to take the stand in Salwai's trial for bribery, corruption and perjury.

The prosecution indicated they will call 26 witnesses in the trial which began yesterday.

Two other former ministers are also standing trial, after a complaint by former Opposition Leader and current Deputy Prime Minister, Ishmael Kalsakau, last year.

Kalsakau himself is due to take the stand today.

Ishmael Kalsakau, centre, outside the courthouse

Ishmael Kalsakau, centre, outside the courthouse Photo: RNZ Pacific / Hilaire Bule