By Len Garae, in Port Vila
Photo: RNZ / Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor
Transparency International Vanuatu says all political leaders who are convicted and jailed should not be released on "stay orders" that allow early release, while ordinary citizens are required to serve their full sentences.
TIV spokesperson Douglas Tamara made the statement in response to a front-page article of the Vanuatu Daily Post about former Speaker of Parliament and MP Seoule Simeon, who was granted a stay order on Thursday after being sentenced to two years and six months for the theft of a government-registered vehicle.
In his court application, he cited personal circumstances, including his personal health, a sick child and responsibilities to his electorate for the request.
According to the Vanuatu Daily Post, some voters from his Epi Island constituency said that, whether Simeon is in prison or not, there has been no development in his constituency.
In Vanuatu, a "stay order" is a court-issued temporary directive that pauses the enforcement of a prior court order, to give a the aggrieved party time to appeal the decision.
Tamara warned that allowing such stay orders could set a precedent for similar cases committed by elected officials and could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Meanwhile, in a broader appeal, TIV is urging all parole boards of all Correctional Services throughout the country to scrutinise the names and crimes committed by all prisoners before granting parole.
Tamara said individuals found guilty of crimes and sent to jail should complete their full sentences in jail.
He acknowledged some prisoners are released early on parole based on their good behaviour behind bars.
However, Tamara said a number of these former prisoners recommit crimes once out of jail, so he is appealing to all parole boards to think twice before approving the applications of prisoners for early release.
