A MAN accused of taking part in the November 2021 riot in Honiara was discharged on Tuesday in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court.
The discharge comes after the prosecution made an application to withdraw the charge of Taking Part in an Unlawful Assembly against Joe Lefoto’o.
The application was made under section 190 (2) (b) (ii) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), which allows the police to reinstate the charge in the future.
This means that Lefoto’o is not acquitted, but rather discharged.
Prosecution alleged that on 24 November 2021, during the three-day riot in Honiara, Lefoto’o joined a group of people at Point Cruz to protest and demanded the Prime Minister’s resignation.
The group then proceeded to the Parliament House.
The three-day violence, which took place from 24 November to 26 November 2021, resulted in significant destruction and damage to properties in Honiara.
China Town was left in ruins, and numerous business houses and shops were destroyed or looted.
Additionally, a separate leaf hut outside the National Parliament, another leaf hut at the Prime Minister’s residence at Lungga, Bank South Pacific branch at Ranadi and the Honiara High School Science lab and school hall were all set on fire.
Lefoto’o was represented by Donation Houa of Public Solicitor’s Office.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
