25 Jul 2005

Solomons prosecutor appeals discharge of minister Rojumana

3:33 pm on 25 July 2005

The Public Prosecutor in Solomon Island has lodged an appeal in the High Court over the discharge of 25 counts of official corruption against a former Cabinet Minister.

Clement Rojumana, resigned in March as minister of provincial government , after he was accused of granting illegal citizenship certificates to Chinese nationals.

Last week, Principal Magistrate Mandik Kapin discharged Mr Rojumana on the basis that the charges against him were defective.

However the Director of Public Prosecution, John Cauchi, lodged an appeal against the discharging of former Mr Rojumana and his co-accused John Maetia.

Mr Cauchi says it was incorrect to say the charges were defective.

He says since the matter is an appeal case, it will now be for the High Court to decide on it.