Prosecutor in French Polynesia Justifies Seizing Temaru’s Savings

The prosecutor in French Polynesia has justified seizing $US100,000 (FJ$ 217,877.30) from the private bank account of the pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru last week. Herve Leroy said he took the action to prevent the money being moved after Mr Temaru was convicted and fined last year. He said the sum is what was misspent by the Faaa council by paying for Mr Temaru’s legal costs. The prosecutor confirmed that the seizure was this week approved by a judge who considered the measure against the mayor not to be disproportionate.

Last year’s case was appealed and a verdict is still due, but Mr Leroy said seizing the money didn’t prejudge the outcome of the court case. Mr Temaru began a hunger strike this week in protest at the way he has been treated by the French judiciary.