THREE people accused of masterminding last November’s riot in Honiara will plea to the allegation against them on August 1.
John Kwaita, Simon Mannie and Knoxley Atu are jointly charged with two counts of managing unlawful society, one count of sedition, two counts of unlawful assembly and six counts of arson.
Kwaita and his lawyer are also making an application to vary his bail conditions.
This is to enable him to travel to Australia to attend his relative’s funeral and to return in time for the next court date.
The trio are said to be leaders of the Malaita four Democracy (M4D)
They were alleged to have instigated and involved in the unlawful planning of unauthorised public assembly that led to the three-day violence from 24 November to 26 November 2021 in Honiara.
The violence resulted in arson and destruction of business properties, looting of shops and burning of ‘Kukum Traffic Centre, the Bank of South Pacific, parts of Honiara High School and damages to Naha Police Station.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
