A FORMER militiaman, John Damusi, who was acquitted on Monday 12th January of charges of conspiring with others to burn down critical state-owned infrastructures, has called for peace and unity in the country.
Speaking to the media after the judgment, Damusi said he felt satisfied with the outcome.
“I feel satisfied with the outcome and seeing that I am free from the case I was charged with.
“I want to thank the Court and everyone who understood the situation,” he said.
He urged former militia groups from Malaita and Guadalcanal, specifically the Malaita Eagles Force and the Istabu Freedom Movement to ensure that any future meetings are held for the good of the country and to support the government.
“As peace builders, we must help government to bring peace into the country, within our communities and families, to heal our nation,” he added.
Damusi was acquitted by Principal Magistrate Elma Veena Rizzu Hilly after the court found that the prosecution failed to prove a key element of the offence, an agreement between him and others to carry out the alleged plans.
The alleged conspiracy involved discussions by former militants about attacking state infrastructure, including the Kongulai water source and the Mamara Housing Estate, in the lead-up to the National Parliament sitting on 5 May 2023.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
