BY ROMINAH FAKA
The trial of two Malaitan leaders is set to commence tomorrow, July 3.
Yesterday’s hearing was scheduled to set a new trial date, but the presiding Principal Magistrate refused defence’s request to vacate the trial, stating that court could only reschedule the date, not vacate it, as vacating a trial is only allowed for proper and valid reasons such as death and sickness.
The court then made directions for the trial to commence tomorrow and prosecution will call four witnesses.
The two defendants, Daniel Suidani and Celsus Talifilu, are jointly charged with two counts of unlawful assembly.
Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The allegations stated the two accused 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.
Those unlawful assemblies and protects were alleged carried out by the Malaita for Democracy (M4D).
The two accused were then later arrested on October 3, 2024 and charged.
Mary-Anne Zurenuoc acts for crown and Lilly Ramo represent both defendants.
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