Solomon Islands MPs Cleared of Riot Charges

By Sarah C. LaBelle
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Oceania

On 18 April 2006, riots in Honiara led to the ousting of Snyder Rini, the newly-elected prime minister.  The riots involved the looting and burning of Honiara's Chinatown district.  A preliminary inquiry report had suggested that members of government and political groups had orchestrated the riots in the hopes that it would spark a regime change.  The report also found that the government could be liable for damages of about $20 million USD ($150 million SBD).

HONIARA, Solomon Islands - Last month, Solomons MPs Nelson Ne'e and Charles Dausabea were charged with inciting the riots of April of last year.  Both Ne'e and Dausabea are influential back-benchers in the current coalition government.  Ne'e is the chairman of government caucus and Dausabea is a government whip.  They were charged soon after being appointed to cabinet positions, which were consequently filled by others.

On Thursday, the High Court of Solomon Islands acquitted both Ne'e and Dausabea.  Ne'e had been charged with intimidation with the intent to cause injury.  Dausabea had been charged with inciting a riot in Parliament house, with inciting a riot to destroy buildings in Chinatown, and with intimidation.

Ne'e said, "Eight months in custody just for nothing, and then another three months going to the High Court day after day.  [...]  It is an experience I can't forget.  And now I'm free to actually visit my constituency, talk to the people, and actually carry on with the work I was actually mandated to do."

A third person alleged to have instigated the riots, Robert Fereatelia, is still awaiting trial.

For more information, please see:

Pacific Magazine - Solomons Riots "Orchestrated and Planned," Report Finds - 19 September 2007

Pacific Islands Report (Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corp.) - Solomons Lawmaker to Face High Court on Riot Charges - 21 September 2007

Radio New Zealand International - Report says plan was behind 2006 Solomons riot - 21 September 2007

Radio New Zealand International - Two Solomons MPs found not guilty of charges arising from Honiara riots - 11 October 2007

Radio New Zealand International - Relief for Solomons MP acquitted on riot-related charges - 12 October 2007

ABC Radio Australia - Solomons MPs cleared of riot charges - 12 October 2007

The Australian - Solomons MPs cleared on riot charges - 12 October 2007

Pacific Islands Report (Solomon Islands Department of the Prime Minister) - Solomons Lawmakers Acquitted of Riot Charges - 12 October 2007

A copy of the inquiry report may be found at Pacific Islands Report here (PDF format).