The Crown has successfully challenged a Magistrate’s decision to discharge four charges against former Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakanō.
The Supreme Court said the appeal has been allowed on the ground that there is a sufficiency of evidence to commit the king’s noble for trial on the four charges on a date that is yet to be fixed.
The magistrate discharged the former Prime Minister and Speaker on four charges of accepting a bribe as a Government servant contrary to section 50 of the Criminal Offences Act, citing lack of evidence.
“So as not to prejudice a fair trial, the ruling has been released only to the parties,” a court statement said.
“Until further Order there shall be no publication of the contents of the ruling.
“This Order does not prevent it being reported that the appeal has been allowed on the basis that there is a sufficiency of evidence to put the respondent on his trial.”
The case has been called and adjourned numerous times due to various filing of document needs and related matters.
Tu’ivakanō was arrested on March 1 and charged with 12 counts, including one of making a false declaration to obtain a passport, two perjury counts, five for accepting bribes and two counts of money laundering.
Tu’ivakanō served as Prime Minister between December 2010 and 2014 and was Speaker of the House during the last term.
He has had his bail extended last week.
