THE voir dire hearing of an alleged leader of the defunct Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM), who was accused of planning to burn down state-owned buildings in Honiara in 2023, will commence next Tuesday.
A voir dire hearing is conducted to determine a question of law, including the admissibility of evidence. Whilst it is typically held during a trial, it is considered a separate hearing from the trial itself.
The accused John Damusi, 53 is facing trial for a charge of Conspiracy to Commit Arson, Contrary to Sections 383 and 319 of the Penal Code.
The voir dire, followed by the trial was initially scheduled for two weeks, starting next Tuesday.
However, the court will review and finalise the schedule for the second week of the trial today, Thursday.
This was because the presiding magistrate is scheduled to travel to Marau in Guadalcanal Province this weekend following the first week of the trial.
On Thursday, counsels and the presiding magistrate will discuss how to proceed with the hearing on the second week.
As previously heard, Damusi is contesting his Record of Interview with the police, claiming it was conducted unfairly between 2am and 3am, a time that he should have been already asleep.
He alleged that he was not given the right to a legal representation because all lawyers were asleep at that time and he was not cautioned either.
Damusi is accused of planning to burn down the Mamara Housing Estate Development Building and plotting to attack other state-owned properties on 15th May 2023.
The prosecution alleged Damusi conducted meetings with former militants to discuss their grievances with the National Government for a prolonged addressing of their rehabilitation claims.
During these meetings, the group allegedly discussed several action plans to destroy and damage critical infrastructures owned by the state by fire.
However, their plans did not materialise because shortly after, the police arrested and charged Damusi.
Public Solicitor lawyer Delilah Kukura represents Damusi, whilst Special Prosecutor Mary-Anne Zurenuoc from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) appears for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
