6 Sep 2003

Solomons opposition MP says people behind crimes not being pursued

10:01 am on 6 September 2003

A Solomon Islands opposition MP is concerned that the intervention force is concentrating on bringing what he calls the "little fish" to justice and allowing the "big fish" to get away.

Alfred Sasako says many ex-militants who have been caught by members of the regioinal assistance mission - or RAMSI - have complained that they are going to be punished for their crimes but the men who ordered those crimes are going free.

He says the real corruption of Solomon Islands society lies with these men and cleaning them up is as critical as the rounding up of the militants.

"RAMSI, in the view of people in the Solomon Islands, is here firstly to restore the respect of the rule of law, and secondly to help clean up corruption in high places. That second phase, they have not, in my view, scratched even the surface."