Semoso fails to drop charges

By JUNIOR UKAHA
AN attempt by Boungainville MP Fidelis Semoso to have charges against him dismissed was refused by a leadership tribunal yesterday.
The three-man tribunal comprised Justice Salatiel Lenalia, Magistrate Ignatius Kurei and Senior Magistrate Nerrie Eliakim.
Their refusal was on the grounds that strict rules of evidence needed to be complied with in the matter as Semoso had already responded to the charges against him.
Lawyer Charles Mende representing Semoso said his client would still file an application after the substantive hearing.
Mende said it was a normal court procedure.
Semoso is seeking to dismiss various charges against him which he claimed were “improperly drafted and are not sufficiently stated so as to give a fair opportunity to the leader to understand the specific requirements and to respond”.
Semoso was not in court for the hearing. The tribunal and state prosecutor were concerned as it was the second time he had been absent.
State prosecutor Anthony Kupmain said it was “not good enough” for Semoso to be absent.
Lenalia asked Mende if his client was in town. The lawyer said Semoso was in Boungainville.
Lenalia told Mende that delaying court proceedings was not in the best interest of justice and matters should be fast-tracked.