BY ROMINAH FAKA

Judgement on a man accused of activities during the 2021 riots has been moved for February 10.

The judgment for Sade Kwate’e was supposed to be delivered yesterday afternoon however, the Magistrate is on compassionate leave.

Sade pleaded not guilty to one count of sedition, two counts of unlawful assembly and one count of arson in relation to the 2021 riot.

Trial was conducted and prosecution called its witness. After crown completed its case defence filed for No Case to Answer which the presiding principal magistrate ruled that there was a case to answer.

Defence informed court that Kwate’e opted to remain silent and will not call any witness. Defence then filed its sentencing submissions.

Court heard on November 24, 2021 Kwate’e led a group of people to protest at the Parliament House for the Prime Minister to step down.

Further alleged that on November 25 he assembled a group of people and procured them to set fire to the Naha Police Station.

This happens during the three days of violence in Honiara which then left the city Chinatown in ruins and business houses and shops in Honiara looted and set on fire. Naha Police Station was looted and also set on fire, but fortunately was put out by the Naha Community.

The violence flashed by the protestors who against the Government decision to switch tries from Taiwan to China.

Three days of violence started on 24th November 2021 saws looting and arson of business houses and shops.

Three people died.

Around 200 peacekeepers from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea were deployed to Honiara to help restore law and order.

Fransica Luza act for Crown and Bobby Harunari act for the Kwate’e.

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