Photo: RNZ / Walter Zweifel
The judge in the court case hearing charges of bribery against 15 members of parliament in Vanuatu has said that the verdict will be handed down on October 9th.
The MPs are facing trial on bribery charges over allegations that they illegally accepted money from the deputy prime minister Moana Carcasses in a series of transactions last year when he was opposition leader.
After the prosecution closed its case yesterday, lawyers for the defendants made an attempt to have the case struck out.
However Judge Mary Sey ruled that MPs have a case to answer, and has set out the timetable for closing submissions.
This morning, all but one of the MPs elected to remain silent on cross-examination, after Justice Sey told them they were not obliged to give evidence and could elect to remain silent.
Transactions from the personal account of Vanuatu's deputy prime minister Moana Carcasses are at the centre of the bribery case Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Most of the MPs are from the Sato Kilman-led government, including five who have become ministers since being charged.
The Internal Affairs Minister, Hosea Nevu, confirmed last year he received a loan of around US$9,000 from the personal account of Moana Carcasses.
Mr Nevu told the Supreme Court that the money was not given in connection to a motion of no confidence in the then Prime Minister, Joe Natuman.
Meanwhile Finance Minister Willie Jimmy, who has pleaded guilty to the bribery charge, is expected to give evidence following a request from the Public Prosecutor.