SOLOMON IS: Honiara riots were planned
Updated
A Solomon Islands government inquiry has found there is evidence to suggest the Honiara riots in April last year were planned and not spontaneous as some have claimed. The Secretary of the Commission of Inquiry into the riots, Sam Tagana says this is one of the findings of the second preliminary report of the Commission.
Presenter: Sam Seke
Speakers: Sam Tagana, Secretary of the Commission of Inquiry into the Honiara Riots
TAGANA: One of the things that came very clearly in the evidence that were given was the fact that I think now it's getting clearer that the events of the 18th and 19th April last year were actually orchestrated and organised by certain people. In fact they are saying now that they were political camps in the country in Honiara, three political camps and looks like it is orchestrated from these camps.
SEKE: There were two things happening at that time. There was the demand for the removal of the prime minister elect, Snyder Rini, and there after, there was the destruction of Chinatown and some of the ethnic Chinese-owned businesses in Honiara. Now are you saying that this was not spontaneous, they were orchestrated?
TAGANA: Normally, it looked very much like it is spontaneous reaction. Now the question really is that was in fact the real situation, because I think the commission is trying to find out the connection between if there was one between the angry crowd at the parliament building and then the recent or what prompted them to run down into the town and start burning the buildings. Evidence is coming now saying that there was in fact some organisations, some direction and I think that is the issue that the commission is currently trying to address.
SEKE: Could you name the individuals or groups allegedly responsible for the planning of the riot?
TAGANA: There are names and organisations or groups, but we need to verify that first before we are certain.
SEKE: According to the executive summary or field reports, the government could be exposed to claims for damages and compensation to the tune of I believe $22 million US, but that the Attorney-General, Julian Moti, is still to make a legal opinion on this. Is that right?
TAGANA: Yes, indeed. I think the Honourable Attorney-General is in the process of making a legal statement on that.
SEKE: The report also indicated that there would be a second opinion sort from a QC in Australia. Why is that?
TAGANA: Of course the attorney-general normally is required to give his legal opinion, but I think the Commission is of the view that it is always prudent to have a second independent legal opinion on this before we come up with our final report. Our final report should be handed over to the prime minister right at the end of next month.
