BY ROMINAH FAKA

Defence is seeking court’s approval for a new trial date for the case of two Malaitan leaders, Daniel Suidani and Celsus Talifilu.

Suidani and Talifilu are being accused of masterminding unlawful assemblies and protest in Auki in 2021.

They are jointly charged with two counts of unlawful assembly.

Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Friday, June 27, was the supposed date for the final interim-mention for the case, however, during the proceedings, defence raised an issue.

The counsel requested court to set a new trial date, citing that the principal defence counsel who represented both defendants is committed to another trial at the High Court.

Court adjourned for today, July 1, to allow the parties to confirm a new and suitable trial date.  The initial trial date will be vacated once a replacement date is confirmed.

The allegations stated the two accused were being taken into the custody for their alleged role in masterminding a number of unlawful assemblies and protest in Auki, Malaita Province in 2021.

Those unlawful assemblies and protest were alleged to have been carried out by the Malaita for Democracy (M4D) group.

The two accused were later arrested on October 3, 2024 and charged.

Mary-Anne Zurenuoc acts for crown and Lilly Ramo represents both defendants.

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