Tefaarere in Tahiti appeal court

4:47 pm on 11 March 2016

The appeal court in French Polynesia has heard the case against a former top politician, Hiro Tefaarere, who last year was given a jail sentence for attempting to misuse public funds.

Mr Tefaarere was convicted for abusing his position as chair of the board of the airport company by attributing money to a commercial contract without seeking the full board's consent.

In the criminal court he was given a three-year jail sentence, two of them suspended.

According to the public broadcaster, his lawyer told the court that Mr Tefaarere should be acquitted.

It is not known when the appeal court will make its ruling.

Hiro Tefaarere

Hiro Tefaarere Photo: AFP

20 years ago, Tefaarere was jailed for being one of the instigators of the Tahiti riots that destroyed the airport.

In the last decade, he briefly served as a minister under the pro-independence leader, Oscar Temaru, and was also acting assembly president following the political turmoil of 2004.

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