Solomon Islands, Australia, Papua New Guinea: Australia Pursues Moti Prosecution, Inquiry Documents "Missing" in PNG

Solomon Islands Attorney General Julian Moti is wanted in Australia on child sex tourism charges.  He initially fled Australia to Papua New Guinea, and from there, to the Solomon Islands.  Moti was sworn in as attorney general for the Solomon Islands on July 10th, and maintains that the charges against him in Vanuatu, where the alleged incident supposedly took place, have been dropped.  For more background, see the Impunity Watch reports here (Moti's appointment), here (PNG involvement) and here (Vanuatu case status).  The Australian also has a synopsis here.

Last week, Australia requested the extradition Julian Moti from the Solomon Islands.  The Solomons Police and National Security Minister Isaac Tosika rejected this request last Wednesday, stating concern that "The Australian extradition request, although purporting to be made for an extraditable criminal offense, has in fact been made for the purpose of prosecuting and punishing Mr. Moti on account of his race, religion, nationality, or political opinion."

The Solomon Islands had asked the Australian Federal Director of Public Prosecutions to answer a 666 question questionnaire before they would consider the extradition.  Tosika characterized the responses as "self-serving, non-responsive, and/or evasive" as well as "patronising."

The following day, Australia's High Commissioner in the Solomon Islands, Peter Hooton, said that "Australia is also deeply concerned by the Government's assertions that Australia's request is motivated by a desire to punish Moti on account of his race, nationality, or political opinions. [...] For the Solomon Islands Government to refer to Australia in this way is to deny us the courtesy and respect it constantly demands of others."

Regarding the questionnaire, Hooton said that he doubted any response would have been deemed adequate.  As to rumours that Moti himself was the author of the questionnaire and the rejection letter, Hooton said, "I find this somehow sadly appropriate."

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said that Hooton's suspicions were "just as flawed as the Australian Government's criminal prosecution of Moti."  Sogavare has been a strong advocate for Moti throughout the affair.  However, a former government minister believes Sogavare has been fed misinformation about Moti's record.

Alfred Sasako told Radio New Zealand International that while Sogavare maintains that the charges in Vanuatu were dropped, the case is actually pending in Vanuatu.  Sasako believes that the source of the misinformation needs to be found and stopped, because it makes the nation and the Prime Minister's office look bad.  He also believes that Moti should stand down as attorney general and face the charges against him in Australia.

Australian Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator David Johnston, does not believe that the Solomon Islands response is acceptable.  Like Hooton, he is offended at the suggestion that Australia is seeking Moti's extradition based on a discriminatory agenda.  He further added that, although the charges may have been dropped in Vanuatu do not preculde Moti from being prosecuted in Australia, because there was no acquittal.

Johnston said, "Australia is committed to pursuing alleged child sex offenders wherever they may hide.  But it is a matter of significant concern that one of our key regional partners does not appear to want to take allegations of child sex offences seriously for particular individuals."

In further news on the Moti affair, the Moti Inquiry Report developed by the PNG Defense Force inquiry is alleged to be "missing."  The PNG National Court is attempting to consider a judicial review of the inquiry at the application of Prime Minister Michael Somare, and presiding judge Bernard Sakora has warned that the availability of the report will have a bearing on the court's final decision.  An observer told Radio New Zealand International that Somare's excuse -- that he was moving from one house to another and in doing so had lost his copy of the inquiry report -- drew Sakora's ire with his "juvenile excuses."

The PNG Post-Courier reports today that Somare has placed a gag order on the media regarding the Moti affair.

For more information, please see:

Solomon Star - Extradition rejected - 05 September 2007
The Australian - Solomons rejects Moti extradition - 05 September 2007
Radio New Zealand International - Former minister says Solomons PM was misled over Moti record - 05 September 2007
Radio New Zealand International - Solomons rejects Australia request to extradite AG Moti - 05 September 2007
Pacific Magazine - Australia Will Still Pursue Moti - 06 September 2007
Solomon Star - PM rejects Aust's suspicion on Moti - 07 September 2007
Solomon Star - SI's response not acceptable: Australia - 10 September 2007

Radio New Zealand International - PNG court hearing into probe of Moti escape to Solomon Islands - 06 September 2007
Pacific Magazine - PNGDF Moti Inquiry Report Missing - 06 September 2007
Pacific Islands Report - PNG Prime Minister Gags Media on Moti Affair - 11 September 2007*

*Please note that this article is reprinted from the PNG Post-Courier, which appeared in that publication on 11 September 2007.

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