16 Mar 2016

Vanuatu conspiracy case decision early April

11:39 am on 16 March 2016

Vanuatu's chief magistrate will deliver a decision on 7th April on whether a conspiracy case involving the deputy prime minister, Joe Natuman, will proceed.

This comes after a closed court session yesterday.

Mr Natuman is facing charges of conspiracy to defeat the course of justice in 2014, while he was prime minister and minister for police.

Joe Natuman outside court.

Joe Natuman outside court. Photo: RNZI / Hilaire Bule

It revolves around a directive to suspend investigations into mutiny allegations involving senior police officers.

The then acting police commissioner, Aru Maralau, who was following instructions from his minister, is facing the same charges.

While the case remains with the Magistrates' Court it can seek the Supreme Court's opinion if required.

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