Twenty people have been arrested in Solomon Islands during the first night of the government's trial lockdown of the capital, Honiara.
Solomon Islands' Police Response Team (PRT) on patrol during the first night of the country's trial lockdown. 29 August 2021 Photo: Royal Solomon Islands Police Force
The 36-hour-lockdown simulation began on Sunday and ended today at 6am.
According to police 18 of the 20 people arrested over the course of Sunday night are accused of breaching lockdown regulations.
The other two were arrested for offences related to the illegal homebrewed alcohol drink known as Kwaso.
Some of the offenders are also being investigated for throwing rocks at police vehicles.
The police commander of Covid-19 operations Simpson Pogeava said the rock throwing was uncalled for and he warned that police will be taking stern actions against anyone breaking the lockdown regulations.
"I appeal to the general public in Honiara to respect government vehicles used for the lockdown operation and work together with police and other government agencies during the 36 hours of lockdown," Simpson Pogeava said.
Empty streets at Point Cruz in the Solomon Islands' capital Honiara on the first day of the country's trial lockdown. Monday 30 August 2021. Photo: Royal Solomon Islands Police Force
Ahead of the simulation concerns were raised about the legality of arresting people without the threat of Covid-19 in the community but they were brushed aside by the government.
More arrests are expected to be reported by police today after the second and final night of the trial lockdown.
Its reported the simulation exercise has cost local taxpayers over a million Solomon Islands dollars in allowances alone.