Solomon Islands' former Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, has been released from prison after serving his time.
Sir Allan was released on New Year's Eve, Wednesday 31st December 2008, after serving a total head sentence of 5 months imprisonment.On November 2007, Magistrate Chris Vaas found Sir Allan guilty of demanding money with menace, intimidation and larceny, committed during the ethnic tension period when he was Prime Minister.
This was in relation to the robbery of Honiara Law Firm, Sol-law in 2002.
Meanwhile, Parliament has passed a motion which sought Parliament to delay the time for which the Parliamentary seat of former Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, is declared vacant until such time the Court of Appeal decides on his conviction.
Speaking with Solomon Times, close family members of the former Prime Minister expressed their joy in being able to count down with their father on New Year's eve night.
Excited family members say it has been a hard time for them and they look forward to starting fresh in 2009.
Solomon Times was informed that the family will spend some quality time at the family-owned Sunset Lodge on Savo Island.