Inquiry hears MPs support rioters
Solomonstar News Honiara By JEREMY INIFIRI
FOUR Members of Parliament encouraged the crowd to go on the rampage during the April 18 riots last year, the Commission of Inquiry heard yesterday.
The MPs, Charles Dausabea, Nelson Ne’e, Gordon Darcy Lilo and Patteson Oti, also supplied food and drinks to the rioters, the inquiry was told.
Medley Kwalemanu, who provided security for the MPs at the Iron Bottom Sound Hotel last April, made the claim when testifying before the inquiry.He said after Snyder Rini was declared as Prime Minister, the four MPs and those in their camp returned to the Iron Bottom Sound Hotel.
“There, they spoke to the crowd that gathered outside the hotel to go on the rampage and do whatever they wanted to do,” Mr Kwalemanu told the inquiry.
“They also told the crowd to go on protest and demand the resignation of Mr Rini.“They even went to the extent of buying food and drinks for those already protesting outside parliament.
“We bought 16 cartons of biscuits, 15 cartons of mineral water and distributed $700 to those protesting at the parliament,” Mr Kwalemanu alleged.He also claimed that he and others were even instructed to help with the loading and distribution of the goods to the protesters.
“So how do you see the action of these MPs?” one of the commissioners asked.“It is unlawful and an act of corruption,” Mr Kwalemanu replied.
He told the inquiry that the support and encouragement received from the MPs stirred up the protester to go on the rampage.
“These four MPs are the ones who stirred up the violence on April 18,” Mr Kwalemanu alleged.He also told the inquiry that the MPs promised him, and others who were asked to provide security for the Iron Bottom camp, $20,000 each if they win the prime minister’s election.
“So far, that promised has not been fulfilled,” he said.Mr Kwalemanu also told the inquiry that he was one of the campaign managers for Central Honiara MP Mr Ne’e during the last election.
He said during their campaigns, Mr Ne’e always talked about getting rid of Chinese from the country.“During his campaigns, he told the public that he does not want Asians, especially Chinese, in the country.
“He would say that if he wins, he would do everything he can to chase out the Chinese, and replaced them with Indians,” Mr Kwalemanu told the inquiry.
He said Mr Ne’e also publicly expressed his dislike of RAMSI during his campaign, saying he wanted RAMSI out of the country.The inquiry, conducted into the April 18 riots, continues. |
BENJAMIN DISRAELI (1804-1881)
Jacinta Moli from Central Malaita representing Solomon Islands in Powerlifting during the Commonwealth Games
