The Nauru government says it has no comment about a hefty bill it has been ordered to pay by today by a Supreme Court judge.
Justice Geof Muecke ruled last week that the group called the Nauru 19, which has been facing charges over a parliamentary protest for 3 years, is entitled to legal aid from the state.
Up to now the group has been relying on its Australian lawyers to work for free but it sought a court ruling when that situation became untenable.
The government is required to make a payment today of US$166,606 into the trust account of Sydney solicitor Christian Hearn.
Asked for a response the Nauru information office says the government has no comment on the payment to the lawyers at this stage.
Source:
RNZ Pacific