29 Aug 2008

Solomosn chief justice reconsiders Kemakeza sentence

4:09 pm on 29 August 2008

The Solomon Islands Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer will determine on Wednesday what sentence is appropriate for the Forestry Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, who has been convicted for his role in a raid.

Kemakeza was found guilty of ordering former militants to raid and seize vehicles of legal form Sol Law Limited in 2002.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution says his two-month prison sentence is inadequate because the principal offenders have been sentenced to between 25 to 30 months.

The Prosecution says an important point to take into account that Kemakeza was the Prime Minister when the offence was committed.

His lawyer argues that his client received double punishment because in addition to a jail sentence he was ordered to pay a fine.