passport case

Tongan court to consider joint trial for noble MP

Matangi Tonga reported the hearing will consider a Crown proposal to have a joint trial of former Prime Minister Lord Tuʻivakanō and the two others.

Last week, the case was adjourned to be mentioned in September before a new Chief Justice.

Tuʻivakanō previously appeared before Lord Chief Justice Paulsen and pleaded not guilty to a total of 15 charges.

Twelve charges related to the issuance of Tongan passports include perjury and accepting bribes, while three are for possession of firearms and ammunition without a license.