French Polynesian government takes issue with court arguments

7:56 am on 23 September 2017

The French Polynesian government has taken issue with the defence arguments in a trial this week of a man convicted and jailed for 12-years for beating his wife to death.

no caption

Photo: 123RF

It issued a statement, denouncing the defence lawyer's claim that Polynesians like to be beaten, which he said was not according to European norms but still a reality.

The lawyer went on and said there was no equality between men and women in Polynesian society, adding that this was in their genes.

The government statement has dismissed the defence argument, saying the root of violence is not genetic.

It said domestic violence is found everywhere in the world and it can never be excused or played down.

The fatal assault took place on the atoll of Fangatau in 2014.