The trial has begun in Vanuatu's Supreme Court of 11 former MPs charged with conspiracy.
The former MPs were among the 14 sentenced to prison last year on corruption and bribery charges.
The charges came after the MPs were pardoned of the offences by the speaker of parliament, Marcelino Pepite, in his role as acting president.
The Vanuatu Supreme Court building in Port Vila. Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana
The first prosecution' witness to appear was lawyer, Eric Molbaleh, who is alleged to have drafted the legal instrument that Mr Pepite relied on.
The Prosecution said there were five lawyers suspected of involvement in the conspiracy case, but they had now become state witnesses.
The prosecution was expected to present more than 26 witnesses and over 60 exhibits to make its case.