Governor General Sir David Vunagi declared Patterson Saeni, of Sulagwalu village in north Malaita, a “free man” during the King’s birthday celebration in Honiara.

Saeni was found guilty of killing Samani Ramo, a Malaitan, at Rove prison in November 2000 at the height of the ethnic tensions.

At that time, Saeni was a member of the then Malaita Eagle Force (MEF).

He received a life sentence.

Saeni spent 11 years inside Rove prison before he was released on parole in 2013.

Under law, during his nine-year parole period in the community, Saeni must not commit any crimes.

On 12 June this year, the Committee of Prerogative of Mercy accepted Saeni’s petition for clemency and mercy because he had adhered to the requirements of his parole.

^{Patterson Saeni after being pardoned by the Governor General, Sir David Vunagi.}

In his proclamation of the decision, Governor General Sir David says as of 16 June 2023, Saeni was a free man.

In-depth Solomons understands before he was released on parole, Saeni had demonstrated good behaviour inside prison, had paid compensation to relatives of Ramo, as well as holding a reconciliation ceremony with them.