Solomon Islands PM declares return to law and order

New Solomon Islands prime minister Snyder Rini today declared that law and order had been restored to his country, after hundreds of police and troops cordoned off Parliament for its first sitting since Rini’s election last week triggered two days of rioting.

Rini warned that more politicians and community leaders linked to the violence could be arrested as local and international police continue investigations into the unrest.

“No one is above the law in this country,” he said.

Two opposition politicians were arrested over the weekend for alleged involvement in the violence, that left much of the capital Honiara’s Chinatown in smouldering ruins, and a third was detained today after he left parliament.

As a helicopter hovered over Parliament, police put Charles Dausabea into the back of a truck and drove him away for questioning.

Police Commissioner Shane Castles said Dausabea was voluntarily helping police with their inquiries.

Police said earlier they were hunting Dausabea for intimidation, inciting violence and managing an unlawful society or assembly.