Police arrests & charges man for allegedly spreading false rumours about COVID-19

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Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have arrested and charged one male suspect for the alleged dissemination of false rumours contrary to Regulation 23 (a) of the Emergency Powers (EP) COVID (02) Regulation 2020 in Central province on 27th April 2020.

It is alleged the accused uploaded a post on Facebook containing the photo of an elderly person at Tulagi, claiming him to be the first COVID 19 positive case in Central Province.

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Acting Assistant Commissioner for Crime and Intelligence in the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF) Patricia Leta says, “Officers of the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) travelled to Tulagi and formally arrested the accused on 2 July 2020. He was later dealt with and charged for dissemination of false rumours contrary to Regulation 23 (a) of the EP COVID (02) Regulation 2020 and bailed to appear at Honiara Magistrates’ Court on 23 July 2020.”

 “I would like to appeal to the general public to refrain from posting false information regarding the COVID19 on social media. It is an offence to spread false rumours regarding COVID 19 that may mislead the general public. I also want to thank my hard working officers for their commitment to ensure that the case is completed and goes before Court,” says Acting AC Leta.

RSIPF MEDIA UNIT

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