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RNZI
Wed, 17 Mar 2010
PORT VILA, Vanuatu ----- An academic who’s been closely involved in constitutional and electoral matters in the Pacific says Vanuatu could face a major crisis if an investigation into the paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile force is not tackled properly.
Dr Andrew Ladley’s comments come after the Vanuatu Coroner, Justice Nevin Dawson, was scathing in his criticism of the VMF in a report into the death of a man in custody.
Justice Dawson said the VMF had an unacceptable culture of violence, regarded itself above the law, frequently resorted to intimidation of opponents, and he said the Government needed to rein the police agency in.
Dr Ladley, who’s an adjunct professor at Wellington’s Victoria University, says without a properly run investigation, the VMF belief it can act with no account will only get worse.
He says politicians contemplating taking action will be well aware of the VMF’s ability to intimidate.
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