23 Aug 2010

Solomons officials expect response from Tonga tomorrow over soldiers' immunity

4:04 pm on 23 August 2010

The Solomon Islands Attorney General says he expects a response tomorrow from the Tongan Government on whether it'll waive immunity for two soldiers allegedly involving in the fatal shooting of a civilian.

The death came during a civil disturbance in Honiara when the soldiers allegedly shot at a crowd after having rocks thrown at them.

The two soldiers are members of the Regional Assistance Mission in Solomon Islands and have immunity from prosecution there.

If the Tonga Government lift this immunity then the officers can be interviewed by Solomons' police.

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reports the Attorney General, Gabriel Suri, saying he's spoken with the Tonga Solicitor General and the deputy Commander of the Tongan Defence Service and he expects a formal response tomorrow.