30 Mar 2011

Call in Solomons to review RAMSI law after fatal shooting

4:06 pm on 30 March 2011

A spokesperson for the family of a Solomon Islands man killed after RAMSI officers fired their weapons says the culprit was allowed to walk free and the law governing the Regional Assistance Mission should be reviewed.

Harry Lolonga died after Tongan soldiers from RAMSI fired shots during a brawl and rock throwing incident on the outskirts of Honiara.

The Tongan government did not allow its officers to be questioned by local forces and they subsequently left the country.

A reconciliation ceremony was held yesterday between RAMSI, the Solomon Islands government, and Mr Lolonga's community at his home village of Peochekuri.

During the ceremony community leader, Patrick Ledi, who spoke on behalf of Mr Lolonga's father, said the government had failed to protect its citizens.

"We strongly feel that the government should quickly review the facilitation and act that brings RAMSI into the country. If the act is not reviewed and amended, Solomon Islander will continue to become the victims rather than beneficiaries."

Patrick Ledi

The Director of Public Prosecutions plans to give his view on the case to police this week.