BY ROMINAH FAKA
The trial of two Malaitan leaders that was scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 3, 2025, has been adjourned after both counsels informed court that they entered negotiations in relation to the charges.
On the above date, prosecution told court that defence had served a proposal regarding the counts, therefore sought time to discuss it with the Director of Public Prosecution before responding.
Henceforth, court has adjourned the matter for Thursday, July 10, 2025 to allow prosecution time to update court on its position.
The presiding principal magistrate also reminded both counsels that being senior legal practitioners such negotiations should be handled during interim-mention hearings for future references.
Daniel Suidani and Celsus Talifilu are jointly charged with two counts of unlawful assembly. Both have pleaded not guilty.
The allegations stated that the two defendants were being taken into the custody for their alleged role in masterminding a number of unlawful assemblies and protest in Auki, Malaita Province in 2021.
The unlawful assemblies and protects were alleged to have been carried out by the Malaita for Democracy (M4D).
Two defendants were later arrested on October 3, 2024 and charged.
Mary-Anne Zurenuoc from office of Public Prosecution act for crown and Lilly Ramo represents both defendants.
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