Defence to confirm whether to call evidence, remain silent, or make a no-case-to-answer submission
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
The prosecution on Friday closed its case in the trial of Moffat Konofilia, who faces charges linked to the November 2021 Honiara riots.
The matter has been adjourned to this week for the defence to confirm whether it will call evidence, remain silent, or make a no-case-to-answer submission.
Since the trial began on Thursday, the prosecution has called a total of four witnesses.
Konofilia faces one count of sedition and one count of unlawful assembly in connection with the November 2021 riots in Honiara.
The charges relate to the three-day period of violent unrest that erupted on 24 November 2021, following protests against the Government’s decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China, along with other grievances.
The prosecution alleges that Konofilia was among a group of people who gathered below Parliament House, near the Leadership Code Commission (LCC) building and a refilling station at Point Cruz.
The group was reportedly carrying two flags—an Israeli flag and a Malaita flag—while protesting and calling on Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to step down.
Many people were reportedly shouting at the time.
Police later arrived and attempted to negotiate with leaders of the Malaita for Democracy (M4D) group.
The defendant was allegedly taken in a police truck to the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) conference room for a meeting aimed at calming the situation.
The prosecution further alleges that while the meeting was in progress, opportunists began rampaging through shops and setting buildings on fire.
The unrest led to widespread looting and arson across parts of the city, particularly in Chinatown, where many businesses and buildings were destroyed.
Several public facilities were also burnt, including the Bank of South Pacific branch at Ranadi, the Kukum Police Traffic Centre, and part of Honiara High School.
Naha Police Station was also vandalised and set on fire before the flames were brought under control.
Ends///
