TRIAL dates for the Malaita Provincial Assembly Member for West Baegu-Fataleka Ward and former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani along with his political adviser Celsius Talifilu have yet to be set by the Honiara Magistrate Court.
The trial dates were scheduled to be fixed last week, but the magistrate assigned to the case was not available in court on Thursday.
Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly was reportedly attending a work-related meeting in one of the provinces.
Magistrate Ishmael Kekou mentioned the matter on her behalf and adjourned it to January 23, when Magistrate Hilly will be available to fix the trial dates.
Suidani and Talifilu are facing two counts of Unlawful Assembly, reduced from an initial three charges after one was withdrawn due to lack of evidence.
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 Taiwan in favour of the People’s Republic of China.
Lily Ramo of Justlaw Attorneys represents the defendants.
Public Prosecutor Sabrina Habu appeared on Thursday on instructions of her colleague Special Prosecutor Mary-Anne Zurenuoc who is still on leave.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
