Solomon Opposition demands RAMSI personnel trial

Updated June 18, 2008 08:09:20

Solomons opposition leader, Manasseh Sogavare, wants the RAMSI personnel legal immunity waived. [AFP]

The Solomon Islands' Opposition is again raising the issue of legal immunity granted to RAMSI personnel, after a deadly accident on the weekend killed a local woman.

Two policeman, members of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, were driving in a police vehicle when it hit a 26-year old nurse in Honiara.

Opposition leader, Manasseh Sogavare, is calling on the government to pressure Samoa to waive its legal immunity, in order to allow the Samoan RAMSI policemen to stand trial in the Solomons.

"I would urge the government to exercise their right to, well it's not a right, it's a provision, to ask him, Samoan prime minister for exercising his right for waiving their right," Mr Sogavare said.

"He's apologised publically to this nation and I think it will seal this apology, that they are really sorry for what they [did], if they allow the officer to be charged here in Solomon Islands, and to face criminal charges to be in prison."