Separation of powers threatened in Nauru

The chief justice of the island nation of Nauru, Geoffrey Eames QC, has resigned, saying “I could not be assured that the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary would be respected.” In January, the Nauru government deported its chief magistrate, ignoring a Supreme Court injunction. It also banned Chief Justice Eames from returning to Nauru from Australia, saying it would not issue him a new visa “under any circumstances”. New magistrates have been appointed for just six months, raising concerns about the executive’s influence over the judiciary.