Djokovic charged

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ROBSON Djokovic is expected to front the Honiara Magistrate’s Court today after police charged him for alleged breaches of the Electoral Act.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea will preside over the case this morning.

Police yesterday confirmed Djokovic, Prime Minister Sogavare’s nephew and chief of staff, is facing three counts.

The charges were laid after on instructions of the Director of Public Prosecution following recent High Court ruling that although an indigenous Solomon Islander, Djokovic is not a citizen.

His lawyer is appealing the decision.

Djokovic, whose mother is from Choiseul and father Australian, has been charged with:

  1. Obtaining registration by false pretense Contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code.
  2. Fraudulent Voting Contrary to Section 120 (c) of the Electoral Act 2018.
  3. Prohibition of a non-citizen from membership of a Political Party Contrary to section 41 (1) of the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014.

RSIPF Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Crime and Intelligence Patricia Leta says:

“Information gathered concerning this matter stated that the chief of staff, a holder of an Australian Passport was a member of ‘Our Party’ that has been registered under the Political Parties integrity Act and a registered voter of South Choiseul Constituency in the 2019 National General Election (NGE).”

Meanwhile, his defence lawyer Wilson Rano confirmed to the Island Sun yesterday that he received notice that Djokovic’s case will be mentioned today in the Magistrate’s Court.

On their appeal case regarding Djokovic’s citizenship status, Rano said a direction hearing will be conducted in the High Court this afternoon.

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