30 Apr 2020

Legality of Solomon Islands curfews challenged

6:50 am on 30 April 2020

The legality of a curfew imposed by the Solomon Islands prime minister over Easter weekend is being challenged in court.

More than 60 people were arrested for breaching the curfews, which were imposed between 8pm and 5am on Friday and Saturday nights.

The maximum penalty is a $US1200 fine and or 5 years imprisonment.

The Solomon Star reports the lawyer for three of the five people who have been charged so far, Howard Lawry, argues there was no public disorder issue going into the weekend.

He said the justification that it was to prevent Covid-19 doesn't make sense, as there's been no curfew on any days except Easter weekend.

The matter has been adjourned, as chief magistrate Emma Garo awaits clarification on whether she can rule on the it.