FSM Amnesty Bill

Hezel, Francis X. (2004-01-29). [www.micsem.org FSM Amnesty Bill]. Micronesian Counselor (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Micronesian Seminar. pp. 1–6.

• Has attachment: File:IXYLNAVW.pdf

Abstract: "Congressional Bill 13-76, affording amnesty to “certain classes who are being accused, or yet to be accused, or who have been prosecuted of certain types of crimes,” has created a firestorm since its introduction into the FSM Congress a few days ago.

The bill, alleging that the national government has “singled out certain classes of people for investigation and prosecution,” proposes that amnesty be offered to any citizens of FSM, whether government officials or not, charged with the misuse or misappropriation of any government funds over the last 17 years. Any persons already charged with such crimes would have these charges dismissed and all doors for entering further charges against citizens on grounds of misuse of government funds during this period would be “forever closed and sealed.” Barely two months ago, 14 people were named in an indictment for the theft of $1.2 million in government funds. A year earlier, another congressmen was charged with the misappropriation of a much smaller sum of money. Inasmuch as four former or present FSM congressmen are among those charged for misuse of public funds, it was inevitable that the bill would raise a public furor.

The outcry was instantaneous and vigorous. Indignant phone calls poured in, and the bill became the talk of the sakau stone...and the betelnut bench...and whatever serves a similar purpose in Kosrae. Here we go again, people seemed to be saying. Congress is not satisfied with accumulating power and prerogatives, not satisfied with their lifetime seats and the endless flow of pork barrel funds to assure their re-election, not satisfied with their salary and representation fund, not satisfied more successful?.."