30 May 2014

Solomons police arrest flood victim leader over riots

1:56 pm on 30 May 2014

The media in Solomon Islands are reporting the arrest of one of the main instigators of the riots in Honiara nearly two weeks ago.

It follows the arrest of more than 20 people shortly after the riots, which began when a bottle store was looted on May the 16th.

Christopher Gilbert reports.

"Jeffrey Leni, who is the chairman of a group representing victims of the April floods, is in police custody and awaiting a court appearance.

The Police say he is being charged as being a main player in the riots which led to the burning down of the Uncle Alick shop in King George.

Shortly after the riots Mr Leni told Radio New Zealand International that flood victims living in the evacuation camps were not involved in the riots and that he and his committee were working with police to find the instigators.

The police are continuing to look for any others involved."