14 Feb 2008

Solomon Islands Government lifts ban on former police chief

8:21 pm on 14 February 2008

The Solomon Islands Government has lifted the travel ban against the former police chief Shane Castles according to the Solomon Star newspaper.

Mr Castles is wanted in Solomon Islands to give evidence in court against Central Guadalcanal MP Peter Shanel.

Mr Shanel, who was the Immigration Minister in the Sogavare regime, was charged in relation to Julian Moti 's illegal entry into the country in 2006.

The Director of Public Prosecution Ronald Bei Talasasa said Mr Castles, who was then the Commissioner of Police, was a key witness in the case.

Solomon Islands Immigration Minister Francis Billy Hilly has confirmed he revoked the ban on Mr Castles.