By Ednal Palmer

Police say they have charged Malaita’s former premier Daniel Suidani and his former advisor Celsus Talifilu in relation to the 2021 protests and rioting in Auki.

They were charged with unlawful assembly, contrary to Section 74 and Section 21 of the Penal Code.

“The two suspects were taken into custody for their alleged role in masterminding a number of unlawful assemblies and protests in Auki, Malaita Provincial capital, in 2021,” a statement from the police say.

Police further claimed that the unlawful assemblies and protests were allegedly carried out by the Malaita for Democracy (M4D).

Assistant Commissioner (AC) Crime and Intelligence, Patricia Leta, said the duo each face three counts of unlawful assembly.

Leta said both individuals were dealt with in accordance with the law and have been released on bail. 

Speaking to In-depth Solomons, Celus Talifilu said they were actually called in by police for an interview and were told that they were being charged.

“We were not taken into any custody. After the interview, we were told that we were charged, but released on bail straight away,” Talifilu said.

“We had our lawyers with us then,” he added.

“The charges imposed against us were yet to be processed through the courts, maybe that will happen but we were unrestricted so we were released on bail.” 

Talifilu confirmed they were charged for unlawful assembly and counts were in relation to the motion of no confidence in Auki and sacking of the former Malaita Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni.

He said they are prepared to defend themselves in court.

The duo will appear before the Honiara Central Magistrates Court on 21 October 2024.

AC Leta said NCID is committed to the rule of law and ensuring public order while respecting the rights of all individuals and the interest of the state.

She added investigations into this matter are ongoing and police will provide further updates when appropriate.

Suidani came to power in Malaita in June 2019 and remained until February 2023 when he was outed in a no-confidence vote.

He rose to international fame for his anti-China stance.

His MARA Government produced what was known as the Auki Communique, a policy document that, among other things, rejected any dealings with China and its proxies.

The Auki Communique became a thorn-in-the-eye for the then Sogavare Government, resulting in heated exchanges at times between the two parties.

After surviving two no-confidence votes, Suidani was ousted in the third when a few of his ministers resigned and moved to the other side of the Assembly.

Following his removal from the top provincial job, the Sogavare government went further and disqualified him from the provincial assembly on the basis Suidani stood against the national government’s “One China Policy”. Suidani has challenged the decision in the High Court.

Suidani retained his provincial seat in this year’s elections, but chose to remain as a non-executive member in the Malaita Provincial Assembly.