20 Apr 2005

RAMSI won't claim immunity in Makasi case

9:04 pm on 20 April 2005

The multinational Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands has confirmed it will not claim immunity but will defend a key court case.

John Kwakwala Makasi alleges that Ramsi police officers breached the Solomons Constitution by forcing him to urinate in front of them during questioning at the Ramsi base late last year.

Ramsi could have claimed immunity but a spokesperson says it's made the decision to submit to the court process for this case.

It will be another week before a hearing date is set.

The case does not involve an alleged criminal offence but is expected to centre on constitutional rights, the law that paved the way for RAMSI, immunity and proper behaviour by mission officers.