THE case of a man on trial for leading a group of people to protest at the Parliament House in Honiara during the unrest in November 2021, has been adjourned to February 18 for judgement.
Sade Kwate’e faces judgement for one count of Sedition, two counts of Unlawful Assembly and one count of Arson.
Last year, the prosecution called six witnesses during the trial and at the end of their case, the defence had made a No-Case to answer submission.
However, the presiding magistrate found that Kwate’e had cases to answer to all the charges against him, requiring him to make his defence.
Kwate’e decided to remain silent, which closed the defence case.
After closing submissions were made, Kwate’e is now awaiting the verdict to determine his guilt or innocence.
The matter was listed yesterday for judgement but was further adjourned to February 18.
Kwate’e is accused of leading a group of people to protest at the Parliament House on 24 November 2021, demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation.
The prosecution alleges that the following day, Kwate’e assembled a group of people and procured them to set fire to the Naha Police Station at Naha, Honiara.
The incident occurred during the height of the three-day violent outbreak in Honiara, which left the city’s Chinatown in ruins and numerous business houses and shops in Honiara looted and set ablaze.
The Bank of South Pacific (BSP) branch at Ranadi, the Kukum Traffic Centre, and part of Honiara High School were burnt to the ground.
The Naha Police Station was ransacked and set on fire but the fire was eventually put out by Naha Community.
The three days of violence, sparked by protestors opposed to the Government’s decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China and other disagreements, began on 24 November 2021, and resulted in widespread looting and arson of business houses and shops.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Newsroom, Honiara
