Kiribati Court of Appeal Hears Appeal from Forced-Out High Court Judge

On Friday, the Kiribati Court of Appeal heard an appeal from High Court Judge David Lambourne, who was forced out of the country earlier this year following a dispute with the government. The court’s decision has been reserved, pending further review.

The Background to the Dispute

Lambourne left Kiribati in May ahead of a deportation order, marking the latest chapter in a saga that began when he was forced out by the government two years ago. The move came after three retired New Zealand judges were expelled from the country.

The High Court’s Decision

Lambourne’s appeal centred on a High Court decision to uphold President Taneti Maamau’s appointment of a tribunal to investigate Lambourne, and his subsequent suspension from the court. The High Court also refused to consider Lambourne’s application to quash the tribunal’s report.

The Judges Hearing the Appeal

On Friday, prominent Pacific judges heard the appeal. These included Papua New Guinea’s Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, Vui Clarence Nelson of Samoa’s Supreme Court, and Mohammed Khan from Fiji. The judges were seated in a hearing room, where Lambourne’s lawyers presented their case via video-link.

The Outcome

The judges’ decision has been reserved, pending further review. This means that the outcome of the appeal is still uncertain, leaving Lambourne and his supporters to wait for news on whether he will be allowed to return to Kiribati.

A Complex Saga Unfolds in Kiribati

The case highlights the complexities of judicial appointments and the challenges faced by judges serving in the Pacific region. As a long-time observer of the region’s politics, it is clear that this saga will continue to play out in the coming days and weeks.