AN alleged leader of an integrated group of former militants who reportedly planned to burn down the Mamara Housing Estate Development Building and state-owned properties will face the court again on March 30.
John Damusi, 53, is facing four counts of Conspiracy to Commit an Offence, contrary to sections 19, and 3 (1) (A) of the Counter-Terrorism Act of 2009.
He was brought to the Honiara Magistrate Court on Tuesday last week and was remanded in custody for 14 days.
Other suspects have been released on police bail pending completion of investigations.
The prosecution alleged that Damusi is a leader of an integrated group of former militants from the defunct Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) and Istabu Freedom Movement (IFM).
It was alleged the group planned to use petrol to burn down the Mamara Housing Estate Development Building and attack other state-owned properties on 15 May 2023.
It was further alleged that Damusi facilitated a number of meetings with MEF and IFM, some of which he himself chaired and at least one of which was conducted at his residence in Northwest Guadalcanal.
The meetings were allegedly to discuss the grievances of former militants, their displeasure with former and current governments prolonging the addressing of their rehabilitation claims.
During the meetings, it was alleged that the group discussed a number of action plans to destroy and damage by fire critical infrastructures owned by the state.
Public Solicitor, George Gray, represents Damusi, whilst the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Rachel Olutimayin appears for the Crown in this matter.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
