BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
THE case of a man alleged to be one of the instigators of last year’s November riots is set for trial in April.
This was after the pre-trial conference was conducted at the Honiara Magistrate Court yesterday.
Defence Lawyer Ronald Dive also applied for bail variation on behalf of his client, to allow him to travel to Auki for work purposes, without objection from the prosecution, bail variation was granted on the accused.
This is the case of Simon Mannie who was arrested and charged by police with one count of unauthorized public assembly and public procession contrary to regulation 14(1) and (3)(a) of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No.3) 2021; Regulation 4 of the Emergency Powers (Covid-10) (declaration of Honiara as Emergency Zone (Amendment) Order 2020; and section 21(b) of the penal code.
Prosecution said Mannie is a leader and active member of Malaita for Democracy (M4D) and represents Honiara-based Malaitans, he is believed to have been involved in unlawful planning of authorized public assembly that led to the November 24 riot in Honiara.
Prosecution alleged that he and others planned and executed the public procession that resulted in arson, and destruction of business buildings, looting of shops and burning of Kukum Traffic Centre and damage to Naha Police Station.
The accused then was taken by police on November 29, 2021 questioned and then charged for the offence.
Andrew Kelesi Deputy Director of the Public Prosecution Office appears for the crown while Ronald Dive represents the accused.
