BY ROMINAH FAKA
The sentencing submissions for a man accused and convicted of sedition and unlawful assembly have been suspended to June 17th.
The matter was mentioned in the magistrate court yesterday, where defense lawyer Mrs. Delilah Kukura, representing the accused John Maga, informed the court that her child is sick. She requested a seven-day adjournment to prepare the sentencing submissions. The court granted the adjournment and extended the remand for accused Maga.
The accused John Maga faces one count of sedition and one count of unlawful assembly.
He pleaded not guilty to both charges, and the trial was conducted before Chief Magistrate Emma Garo.
The prosecution called four witnesses. Upon the prosecution closing its case, the court found that the prosecution had proved each element of the offense of unlawful assembly and sedition.
As a result, the court convicted Maga of both charges, revoked his bail conditions, and remanded him in custody awaiting the filing of sentencing submissions by his defense counsel.
According to the prosecution’s case, on November 24th, 2021, the accused traveled from Auki Express Pelican from Auki to Honiara. Upon arrival at Honiara Ports Authority, he allegedly led a group of people unlawfully to protest at the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, raising discontent among Solomon Islanders about the former Prime Minister.
Mrs. Kukura represents the accused Maga, and Ms. Letiara represents the Crown.
