SOLOMON IS: Sogavare in court for Shanel

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Updated February 27, 2008 16:18:59

Former Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has strongly defended his former Immigration Minister, who's on trial for lying to police about controversial Australian lawyer, Julian Moti. Peter Shanel is standing trial for allegedly lying in relation to there being a legal permit for Mr Moti to enter Solomon Islands in October 2006 on a clandestine PNG Defence Force flight. Taking the stand in Honiara Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, Mr Sogavare said comments by Mr Shanel had been taken out of context by former Police Commissioner, Shane Castles. Mr Sogavare said Mr Shanel had in fact been referring to the PNG Defence Force plane, and not Mr Moti, on the entry permit issue.

Presenter: Sam Seke
Speakers: Honiara journalist Evan Wasuka

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