Solomons Police probe politicians' riot role
Posted at 2:11pm on 23 Apr 2006
The Solomon Islands Police Commissioner has confirmed police are investigating whether some local politicians were behind the riots and looting that erupted at Parliament on Tuesday after the secret election of a new Prime Minister.
The ABC reports Commissioner Shane Castles said a man has been arrested and charged with unlawful riotous behaviour. The man is accused of throwing the first rock at Prime Minister Snyder Rini's vehicle at Parliament last Tuesday.
Commissioner Castles says police are also investigating reports that politicians might have been involved in fomenting violence. He said that if it turns out that there are political motivations - they will be pursued "to the hilt".
Commissioner Castles also said a man is being questioned for allegedly threatening violence against a newly elected Member of Parliament.
On Saturday, deputy RAMSI co-ordinator, New Zealander Paul Ash, said the police believe the protests were planned and were a response to political events. Radio New Zealand reported he told a media conference in Honaria that there were signals that those at the heart of the disturbances played a role in inciting the violence.
Red Cross expects Chinese to leave Honiara
The International Red Cross says it expects 255 Chinese nationals to leave Solomon Islands after riots this week destroyed most homes and businessess in the Chinatown district of the capital, Honiara.
A Red Cross spokesperson says the move will be difficult as some people have lived in Honiara for 20 years and have children who do not speak any Chinese.
China chartered a jet last night to evacuate 90 Chinese citizens who were amongst those left homeless after the riots.
Radio New Zealand's reporter in Honiara quotes the Red Cross as saying the Chinese embassy in Port Moresby helped facilitate their departure to China; it expects the rest to leave over the coming days.
They have been living in a makeshift refugee camp at the Police Club, next to the Police Headquarters in the Honiara suburb of Rove, after their businesses and homes were destroyed. The ABC reports there are hundreds in the camp.
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