Pacific / French Polynesia

Jail sentence sought for Tahiti's Flosse

19:25 pm on 10 August 2016

The prosecutor in French Polynesia has called for a one-year jail sentence for the disgraced former president, Gaston Flosse, over the theft of chinaware from the presidential palace.

The case, which was heard in the criminal court after the trial had been deferred two months ago, also involves his partner, Pascale Haiti.

Gaston Flosse Photo: RNZ

The two were in court accused of taking public property in December 2014 after $US70,000 worth of china and silverware from the presidential palace was found at their home.

The prosecutor wants her to be given a six-month suspended prison sentence and a $US 15,000 fine.

Flosse, who lost the presidency because of a corruption conviction in September 2014, said he had bought the items in question with his own money.

The defence said there was no theft and there should be an acquittal.

Flosse is banned from holding public office until 2019 although he challenged the decision, claiming he was eligible to stand again in 2018.