14 May 2007

Solomons riot trial opens in Honiara

3:27 pm on 14 May 2007

The High Court Trial has opened in Solomon Islands today of two MP's Nelson Ne'e and Charles Dausabea and businessman, Alex Bartlett, on charges relating to last year's riot.

All three suspects pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and other related charges against them.

In court this morning, the acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, Michael McColm, presented a summary of facts in the lead up to the events of April 18th and immediately afterwards.

Also video footage was shown of what happened at parliament when Synder Rini was elected prime minister.

The trial is expected to last a month and is being presided by Justice Cameroon Smith.