28 Feb 2006

Solomons to deport Fiji fugitive without trial

4:30 pm on 28 February 2006

Solomon Islands police are not charging a Fiji man who is being deported back to Fiji today.

Kinivuai Vakatawanavatu Sulua evaded police for three weeks after escaping from immigration detention and was recaptured on Saturday about 45 minutes drive from Honiara.

Sulua and 11 other men were said to be trying to reach Bougainville in Papua New Guinea to train security guards in a rebel-held area.

The police commissioner, Shane Castles, says the while Sulua and the others had breached immigration laws, it was deemed better to remove them as soon as possible.

"It would prolong his custody here and then there would be obvious court proceedings which would further delay or prolong his confinement. It's felt on consultation with immigration it's best to remove him."

Commissioner Castles says Sulua was being aided by others in the community and an investigation into who was involved was underway.