Kiribati controversy as attorney general becomes acting chief justice


Source: theguardian.com theguardian.com

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The separation of powers crisis in Kiribati escalated on Friday, with the Pacific country’s attorney general, Tetiro Semilota, appointed acting chief justice. Semilota was sworn in on Friday afternoon at a closed ceremony in the capital, Tarawa. Under the Kiribati constitution, the chief justice is appointed by the president, Taneti Maamau, acting on the advice of his cabinet. It was not immediately clear whether Semilota had first resigned her position as attorney general. Guardian Australia understands that Semilota is set to be formally welcomed to the high court at a special sitting on Wednesday. She is the first i-Kiribati citizen,...