Preliminary Inquiry for Deputy Speaker in July [1]
Friday, March 22, 2013 - 20:48. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
The Preliminary Inquiry for Lord Tu'iha'ateiho, the current Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, who is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, has been set for July 29-31.
The date was set today in chambers before Magistrate Salesi Mafi with Assistant Crown Counsel Sione Sisifa and Kahungunu Barron-Afeaki counsel for the accused.
Sione said the preliminary inquiry would be held at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court for three-days. These were the available dates for the accused counsel, he said.
Lord Tu'iha'ateiho is a Ha'apai Noble's Representative to Parliament. The noble's case has been adjourned numerous time since he was first charged in 2010.
At the end of the Preliminary Inquiry the Magistrate will decide whether there is a case for trial at the Supreme Court.