The case of the alleged defamation of French Polynesia's former vice president Nuihau Laurey is going to France's highest court.
Nuihau Laurey, vice-president of French Polynesia Photo: AFP
This comes after French Polynesia's court of appeal acquitted an assembly member Valentina Cross, who had accused Mr Laurey of being compromised and having abused his position to favour a power company.
Last year, Mrs Cross was fined $US1000 for defamation but she appealed, with her lawyer arguing that the allegedly defamatory words were taken out of context.
He said instead Mr Laurey should have been charged with initiating an abusive pursuit of Mrs Cross.
Mr Laurey's lawyer said he will take the case to Paris.
Mrs Cross is an assembly member of the opposition pro-independence Tavini Huiraatira party.
Mr Laurey, who is with the ruling Tapura Huiraatira Party, is now a member of the French Senate.