TRIAL into the matter of the Malaita Provincial Assembly Member for West Baegu-Fataleka Ward and a former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani and his political adviser Celsius Talifilu will commence in April.
Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly on Friday set down the April 21 to 25 for the hearing of evidences.
The matter will return to court for its first interim mention on February 20.
Suidani and Talifilu are facing two counts of Unlawful Assembly.
The charges stem from unlawful assemblies and a protest in the Malaita Provincial Capital Auki in 2021, when MPA Suidani was Premier of Malaita Province and Mr Talifilu was his political advisor.
The unlawful assemblies and protest were carried out by the Malaita for Democracy (M4D) movement against the decision by the former Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) to sever diplomatic ties with Taipei in favour of Beijing.
Lily Ramo of Justlaw Attorneys represents the defendants.
Public Prosecutor Georgina Oroi on instructions of her colleague Special Prosecutor Mary-Anne Zurenuoc who is still on leave.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
