BY ROMINAH
The case against Malaita provincial leader Daniel Suidani and his political advisor Celsus Talifilu, related to unlawful assemblies and protests in 2021, was mentioned in Magistrate Court yesterday and has been adjourned to November 18 for a possible plea.
Both men are charged with three counts of unlawful assembly, as outlined in the Penal Code. The prosecutor informed the court that both accused are currently on police bail and present in court. They also stated that the investigation is complete, and disclosures will be prepared and served to the defense counsel by the end of the day.
Defense lawyer George Gray, the Director of the Public Solicitor, will represent Suidani and Talifilu.
The defense requested a one-month adjournment due to Gray’s involvement in another trial at the High Court.
The court agreed to the adjournment, moving the matter to November 18, and instructed that full disclosures be provided to Gray today. The police bail for both accused was also extended.
The Malaita leader and Talifilu were arrested on October 3, 2024, for allegedly masterminding unlawful assemblies and protests in Auki, the provincial capital, organized by the Malaita for Democracy (M4D) group.
Mary-Anne Zurenuoc appeared for the Crown, while George Gray represented both accused.
