Serious allegations leveled at the Judiciary [1]
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 12:53. Updated on Thursday, May 1, 2014 - 15:04.
IN recent weeks some correspondence passing between the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the Prime Minister has been published in the media here in Tonga.
The letters, sent and received by the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, were published as part of the reporting of evidence in the Royal Commission into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika.
The Prime Minister then gave a television interview and released press statements on the subject of the disclosed letters.
The Ministry of Information and Communication in a paid placement, published an article and further correspondence and internal government documents in both the Talaki and Taimi newspaper of 10th February 2010.
I only wish to mention an aspect of the material published pertaining to the Judiciary.
Some of the material published alleges that the Chief Justice either put "pressure" on someone to sign his contract or that he and the former Minister "colluded" to subvert the Constitution. These are serious allegations leveled at the Judiciary.
I have had access to all of the relevant details and I can say any such allegation is incorrect and without foundation. The publication may have the effect of diminishing the integrity of the Judiciary in Tonga. The two papers I have mentioned have been sent warning letters. I have given advice consistent with what I have said in this release and as the present Attorney General it is my duty to correct statements or actions which may harm the integrity of the Judiciary. Attorney General Office, 03/03/10.