The Cook Islands High Court has reserved its decision on whether former cabinet minister and current leader of the One Cook Islands party Teina Bishop should be charged with bribery.
Teina Bishop supported by his daughter Tania Bishop outside the High Court in Rarotonga Photo: RNZI/Cook Islands News
In a major departure Cook Islands police had sought the court's view on whether there is enough evidence to formally charge Mr Bishop.
The Police Commissioner, Maara Tetava, said in August he was satisfied there was enough evidence to seek leave of the court to lay the charges.
The allegations relate to Mr Bishop's relations with the Cook Islands company, Huanan Fishery, which is a subsidiary of the multinational Luen Thai Fishing Venture.
He was the Minister of Marine Resources at the time of the alleged offences.
The court's decision is expected by the end of this week.