BY ROMINAH FAKA
Court will set a new trial date tomorrow for the case of a former leader of the Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM).
Prosecution informed court that police are yet to execute a warrant of arrest for the witness who failed to appear at the trial.
However, the witness attended court on Monday and yesterday, explained that his absence was due to travel commitments for land cases in Malaita province.
Court later canceled the warrant of arrest issued against the witness.
Defence also raised an issue, requesting that prosecution make other crown witnesses available for cross-examination.
The court adjourned the matter for tomorrow morning, June 27 to set a new trial date.
The court directed both prosecution and defence counsels to communicate with each other and provide their available dates and email them to the court clerk by close of business today, 26 June 2025.
John Damusi, 53, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit arson contrary to section 383 and 319 of the Penal Code. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
He then challenged the record of interview on the grounds of unfairness, as he alleged that he was not given an opportunity to seek or talk with a lawyer before or during the interview. He also mentioned that the time when the record of interview was conducted was early in the morning, a time in which he said he and the lawyers alike should be asleep.
A voir dire trial which is a procedure that helps a judge to decide on certain issues was carried out and prosecution called two witnesses.
After this trial was completed, defendant Damusi through his lawyer chose to remain silent and his lawyer submitted closing submissions.
Court then ruled in favour of Damusi by dismissing the Record of Interview (ROI) which is the piece of evidence that will no longer be used in the main trial.
Delilah Kukura Fagani represents Damusi and Mary-Anne Zurenuoc prosecuting.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
