court case

Matangi Tonga reported Lord Chief Justice Paulsen made the ruling on Tuesday regarding four charges of accepting a bribe as a government servant.

The ruling overturns an initial decision by the Principal Magistrate to discharge Tu'ivakano.

The Chief Justice said the decision was made on the grounds there is a sufficiency of evidence for a trial, on a date yet to be set.

Tu'ivakano was initially charged with a total of 12 counts but in January the Principal Magistrate struck off the four counts of accepting bribes, citing a lack of evidence.

A Nevada news media report said another hearing was scheduled for this month.

Siaosi Vanisi was convicted in the beating death of police officer George Sullivan while in his patrol car at a parking lot near an information kiosk between UNR’s Morrill Hall and Manzanita Lake.

Sullivan had 10 blows to his face, seven to his scalp area, two on the upper part of his body and another to the left hand that nearly severed two fingers, an autopsy report said.

This was not the first time Vanisi’s death case had been challenged in court.

The two girls were 14 and 16 when the assaults occurred.

According to Kaniva News, the court heard sexual abuse began in early 2017.

Justice Cato found that on several occasions, including an incident of rape, the girls’ mother had helped the man.

The man was found guilty of one count of rape, six counts of serious indecent assault, two charges of indecent exposure and five charges of domestic violence.

Supporters cheered the SODELPA leader, former prime minister and 1987 coup leader Mr Rabuka as he emerged from the Suva Magistrates Court late this morning.

Mr Rabuka was charged by Fiji's Independent Commission Against Corruption under Fiji's political party regulations - for providing a false declaration of his assets, income and liabilities.

If convicted, he would have been out of the running for the 14 November polls.

The August ruling was made in favour of Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva and the Public Service Association, who are pursuing nearly $US50 million.

The payments were made to Tongasat after China was found to have placed a satellite in Tonga's orbital space in 2006.

Chief Justice Owen Paulsen said the payments were "invalid and unlawful" and granted the plaintiffs legal costs which have yet to be finalised.

Matangi Tonga reports an appeal was filed last Tuesday by Tongasat's legal counsel, William Edwards, to have fresh evidence heard from witnesses.

On Friday, the court found in favour of Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva and Tonga's Public Service Association, in their five year battle against Tongasat.

The case concerns two payments totalling $US49.9 million which China made to Tonga after it was found to have placed a satellite in Tonga's orbital space in 2006.

Despite a revenue sharing agreement between Tonga's government and Tongasat, 93 percent of the funds were transferred to the privately owned company.

The noble's court case was expected to be heard on 9 August and has been adjourned numerous times due to various filing of document needs and related matters.

Kaniva Tonga News reported the latest adjournment was requested to allow the defence more time to prepare for the trial.

Tu'ivakano was arrested on 1 March and charged with 10 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.

The former Speaker and Prime Minster appeared in court last month and is expected to reappear in court on June 25.

Reports said the noble’s legal counsel was not in Tonga when he was due to appear at a Magistrate Court.

In a separate court case, MP ‘Akosita Lavulavu and her husband former government minister and MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu had their case adjourned for the third time to June 25.

Kaniva News reportd the Lavulavus appeared at the Fasi Lower Court on May 28.

The MP for Gizo Kolombangara, Jimmy Tanangada, caused a huge upset when he unseated the then caretaker prime minister in the 2014 elections.

The Solomon Business Magazine reports the high court has declared Mr Tanangada's election null and void.

In his decision Judge Rex Foukona found the MP guilty of bribery and treating through the use of agents who supplied food for supporters during the campaign.

Justice Foukona also banned Mr Tanangada from taking part in the next general election and said he would be advising the Governor General on the outcome of the case.

A government statement said Mr Maamau extended warm greetings, provided counseling and heard of the needs of the men who are in three different prisons in Italy.

He told the former seamen with the company Hamburg Sud, to be obedient, patient and strong while serving their sentences.