5 Jul 2006

Solomons MP on trial over Honiara riots

9:37 am on 5 July 2006

Prosecution witnesses have been giving evidence in a preliminary hearing of charges against Solomon Islands MP Charles Dausabea.

The prosecution is seeking to have Dausabea committed for trial in the High Court, on charges arising from the April 18th riots in Honiara.

He faces charges of intimidation, threat and incitement.

One witnesses told a packed courtroom that on the day of the riots Dausabea, had come out of the parliament building and told an angry crowd outside "'We have lost the election, you can do what you want to do,'"

A witness who claimed he had been offered $20,000 to withdraw from the case, said three other members of parliament also came out of the building and advised the crowd not to do anything aggressive as parliament had already made its decision in a democratic manner.

The trial continues.

Central Honiara MP Nelson Ne'e, who is also facing riot related charges, is yet to be tried.

He remains in police custody

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