Key Takeaway:
- Police in the restive Solomon Islands pursued charges against a leading opposition member over riots that damaged the country last month.
- United Party President Kwaita was arrested by police at his home on late Monday.
Police in the restive Solomon Islands pursued charges against a leading opposition member over riots that damaged the country last month.
United Party President Kwaita was arrested by police at his home on late Monday and charged for breaking Covid-19 regulations on public gatherings.
“Police have released him on bail,” a police spokesman said, adding the suspect “will appear before Honiara Central Magistrate in February 2022.”
Last month, anti-government protests sparked widespread looting and arson in the capital Honiara, causing US$67 million worth of damage and leaving the city’s Chinatown in ruins.
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At least three people died in ruins, which also caused the deployment of 200 peacekeepers from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.
The protests were sparked by opposition to PM Manasseh Sogavare, who is keen to forge ties with Beijing.
His rule is opposed by the members of Malaita — the Solomons’ most popular island.
Kwaita has been from Malaita, and his United Party’s two members of parliament had backed a vote of zero confidence against Sogavare in this month.
Ally Peter Kenilorea urged supporters not to go to the streets, saying, “I call for calm at this time.”
Source-CTV News
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