The Solomon Islands Police Commissioner, Jahir Khan, has stated that while the Tongan soldiers allegedly involved in a brawl with locals on Malaita cannot be prosecuted under Solomon's law, he still wants a say in how the matter is resolved.
The Tongans allegedly became involved in an altercation with youths drunk on homebrew two weeks ago. There are unconfirmed reports some of the youths were injured.The Police Commissioner, Jahir Khan, in an interview with Radio New Zealand International, reiterated the fact that while the Tongans are outside his jurisdiction, he still wants some input once he has received reports from both his own officers and from RAMSI.
"So once I am in possession of the two reports then I will be meeting the co-ordinator for the RAMSI, that is Tim George, and then we will be discussing as to the further action that needs to be taken."
The Solomon Islands Government, which is to review the Facilitation Act under which RAMSI operates, wants the immunity provision removed.
Earlier, the Special Co-ordinator of RAMSI, Tim George, said that all members of the Regional Assistance Mission were required to respect Solomon Islands law.
"RAMSI takes any allegation of misconduct very seriously and would investigate the matter thoroughly and in a transparent manner," he said.