Legal crisis as Nauru bars chief justice

The world's smallest republic, Nauru, has deported its one and only magistrate and cancelled the visa of the Australian citizen who acts as its Chief Justice.

Nauru has deported its only magistrate and cancelled the visa of the Australian Chief Justice. Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH

Nauru, an island in the South Pacific, is used as a processing centre for travellers in boats who are seeking asylum in Australia. Peter Law, the magistrate, an Australian citizen,  was fired and deported over the weekend. When the Chief Justice, Australia-based Geoffrey Eames, tried to protect him by issuing an injunction, he had his visa cancelled to the island. 

Unprecedented

Last week there had been a difference of opinion over the treatment of two asylum seekers after the justice minister, David Adeang, gave them a week to leave the republic. The magistrate then granted them an interim injunction. Mr Law said: 'The timing of this makes it very obvious in my mind what this is all about.' Mr Eames said: 'These events are unprecedented. I consider that it is my duty to uphold the rule of law and the principle of judicial independence.' Source:  The Guardian

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