PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

By Evan Wasuka

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Solomon Star, May 8) – The Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP) has hit out at the Solomon Islands Prime Minister for making a comment that could influence the case against two detained Members of Parliament.

Prime Minister Mannasseh Sogavare last Sunday told Australian current affairs television show, The Insiders, that the State’s evidence against East Honiara Member of Parliament Charles Dausabea and Central Honiara Member of Parliament Nelson Ne’e was questionable.

The DPP John Cauchi said such a statement could have a negative impact on the case against the two MPs.

"The fact is a Magistrate and two High Court judges have decided the evidence is sufficient at this stage to deny bail to the MPs."

The two MPs were remanded in custody two weeks ago on charges related to last month’s rioting and looting.

Mr Cauchi said the Prime Minister’s statement could stop people from coming forward to assist.

"I wish to give a reminder that cases which are before the court should not be the subject of comment in public until they are completed."

Mr Cauchi said any statements by the public at this stage could be sub judice.

Mr Dausabea faces three counts of inciting a riot, intimidation and threatening to destroy a hotel, while Mr Ne’e has been charged with one count of managing an unlawful society, two counts of threat and one of intimidation.

Mr Dausabea will appear in court today while Mr Ne’e appeared in the Magistrates Court yesterday and had his case deferred until tomorrow.

Yesterday, legal counsel for the two MPs, Julian Moti QC, sought an application for bail but the DPP opposed the move, requesting a seven-day adjournment.

Mr Moti argued that a seven-days break was too long for his client and Magistrate William Seneka adjourned the hearing until tomorrow.

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