Background
- Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and former Prime Minister Henry Puna are currently standing trial on charges of fraud and improper payment of public money.
- The charges stem from two chartered flights that allegedly saw the uplift of winning candidates from the northern islands of Penrhyn and Pukapuka to Rarotonga following the 2018 general elections.
Allegations and Charges
- Norman George, counsel for the prosecution, alleges that Brown and Puna conspired to secure public funding for the flights.
- Flights involved return of Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau and Associate Minister of Justice Tingika Elikana from their respective islands.
- Originated from Civil List budget, managed by Parliament.
Email Evidence
- An email from Brown, acting as caretaker Finance Minister, requesting arrangements for the flights was produced in court.
- No record of any intention to bring other successful candidates to Rarotonga in the email.
Criminal Proceeding
- Private prosecution was initiated by Rarotonga resident Paul Allsworth, who alleges approximately $US35,000 was paid for the flights.
- Trial by judge alone, presided over by Chief Justice Sir Hugh Williams QC.
Previous Attempt
- Complainant previously instructed new lawyer Wilkie Rasmussen to withdraw their complaint before the case went to trial.
Witnesses
- List of 19 witnesses expected to be called during the trial, including several Members of Parliament and key figures within government.
Defendants and Legal Representation
- Brown represented by lawyer Tim Arnold.
- Puna represented by lawyer Ben Marshall.
Current Trial and Previous Backlog
- Current trial is one of several heard in the Cook Islands during the month of March to clear a backlog caused by a year-long gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic.