SI Police aware of unconfirmed protest reports

Police are aware of unconfirmed reports of possible protests by supporters of MP for East Honiara, Charles Dausabea, to coincide with Independence Day celebrations in Honiara today 7 July.

Police are monitoring the reported information and are seeking to verify its truth.

Contingency planning by police is in place to adequately respond to any protest.

Police say should any protest group assemble or march today, it will be deemed unlawful as no prior notice or application has been received by police in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Police are also aware that some Chinese businesses have closed early yesterday afternoon.

However, police say they are not aware of any specific threat against Chinese interests.

Police say they are proactively monitoring a larger than normal pre-holiday influx of people into the city centre.

Police patrols indicate that the influx is related to a public service payday, Techmart, and people shopping prior to the long weekend.

source: SIBC Online (http://www.sibconline.com.sb/main.asp)