[ap-intact] INFO: Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (17 Oct 2015) - Vanuatu, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Fiji


[Facilitator’s note: Thank you to Annika Wythes, Luisa Senibulu, Samita Singh, and Mihaela Stojkoska of the joint UNDP-UNODC Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project for sharing these updates.]
Vanuatu:
Vanuatu shaken by mass corruption convictions. "Vanuatu's government has been severely shaken, and its future is uncertain, after half its MPs were convicted of bribery." http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/286695/vanuatu-shaken-by-mass-corruption-convictions
Vanuatu PM still silent on pardons. Five days since 15 of his MPs were convicted of bribery charges, Vanuatu's Prime Minister Sato Kilman is yet to say anything about their controversial pardoning. http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=1472017574561d800dca9422af890c
Vanuatu Could Dissolve Parliament After Convictions of MPs. The future of Vanuatu's government is uncertain after 15 of its MPs were last week convicted of bribery charges. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2015/October/10-12-01.htm
Vanuatu ombudsman says suspension 'illegal'. Vanuatu's ombudsman has been suspended by the government, in a move he says is illegal and invalid. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/286815/vanuatu-ombudsman-says-suspension-'illegal'
PNG:
Anti-corruption lawyers allowed back into PNG. A senior fraud squad member in Papua New Guinea says the reversing of a travel ban on two Australian lawyers, who represent anti-corruption police, is another small victory for justice. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/286556/anti-corruption-lawyers-allowed-back-into-png
PNG anti-fraud squad leader arrested and charged. The director of Papua New Guinea's fraud and anti-corruption squad, Mathew Damaru, has been arrested and charged with lying under oath. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/286816/png-anti-fraud-squad-leader-arrested-and-charged
Samoa:
One defendant walks free in Samoa fraud case. One of three people standing trial in Samoa on charges of receiving money by deception has been discharged. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/286858/one-defendant-walks-free-in-samoa-fraud-case
Grounded Boat in Samoa Investigated for Illegal Fishing. Investigations are underway in Samoa into a boat that ran aground at Falealupo, on the most western part of Savai'i island. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2015/October/10-12-14.htm
Solomon Islands:
Solomons government to sell illegally harvested logs. The Solomon Islands government is to sell illegally harvested logs from Rennell Island. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/286775/solomons-government-to-sell-illegally-harvested-logs
Fiji:
Padarath and Vakaloloma appear in court on forgery charges. Suva resident Ben Padarath and lawyer Aseri Vakaloloma who are charged with forgery appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court this morning. http://fijivillage.com/news/Padarath-and-Vakaloloma-appear-in-court-on-forgery-charges-r9k2s5

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