COI directs matters to public prosecutor

National

COMMISSION of Inquiry (COI) into the Union Bank of Switzerland loan deal has directed all matters for prosecution under the COI Act to the Public Prosecutor.
COI chairman Sir Salamo Injia told the inquiry that it was agreed between the commission, the Public Prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin and Police Comm David Manning that all matters for prosecution would be referred to the public prosecutor.
Sir Salamo said the public prosecutor would institute the prosecution proceedings in the appropriate court within two weeks of receiving the referral from the commission.
He said the direction by COI included:

  • ALL matters for prosecution under the COI Act to be referred to the public prosecutor for prosecution;
  • THE public prosecutor would initiate prosecution proceedings by the laying of information before a court of his choice within two weeks of receiving the referral from the commission;
  • THE office of the Public Prosecutor and Police Commissioner will assemble a team of dedicated officers to assist them to prosecute those referrals; and,
  • THE Public Prosecutor and COI secretary would jointly report to the commission the progress of those prosecution proceedings.

“I will issue a request that the Public Prosecutor make a representation to the respective courts or judges to give the prosecution or proceedings expedited,” Sir Salamo said.
Manning said the constabulary’s position in assisting the COI was consistent with Section 197 (1) which was the primary function of police force to lay charges and prosecute in respect to the offences.
“The police will assist the public prosecutor in the inquiry as much as invoking our constitutional powers to prosecute anyone based on the evidence provided,” he said.
“I understand there is a concern as to the time frame to be considered adequate in laying of the information.
“Two weeks is sufficient based on what evidence is readily available to use.”

One thought on “COI directs matters to public prosecutor

  • The COI under the Leadership of Sir Salamo Injia has made significant progress referring people implicated in the UBS Loan to Public Prosecutors for Prosecution. Thanks PMJM for that decision for TRANSPARENCY sake.

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